How do you play the sousaphone?

Answer 1

While "hard" is a subjective word, the sousaphone plays the same as a tuba -- because it is a tuba. The length of the tubing (which determines the instrument's pitch) and the valve fingering are the same on both instruments, and they can use the same mouthpieces.

The only difference between the two instruments is the shape into which the tubing is coiled. A traditional tuba is coiled into a densely packed oval shape to make it easy for the musician to hold it in the arms on the lap, while a sousaphone is specifically intended to be played while marching, so its coils wrap around the player's body and the instrument rests on the left shoulder.

Like most Musical Instruments, the sousaphone and tuba require considerable practice to play well, approximately as much as (but not any more than) any other traditional band instrument. Physically, to march with the sousaphone, one must be able to support the weight of the instrument, between 25 and 35 pounds; however, there are chairs available with pads which support the instrument, taking the weight off the player.

Answer 2

Playing the sousaphone is exactly the same as playing the tuba. Both the mouthpiece and the fingerings are the same. The only difference is the shape. The tuba is meant for concerts and the sousaphone is made for marching so it is easier to carry- it wraps around your body.

Answer 3

the same way you play a tuba