[Welcome, people searching for child-sized tubas! I wrote this post in 2011, back when I was the desperate parent of a 4-year-old wanting a tuba for Christmas. In the ensuing years thousands of people have found their way to this post, all most likely searching for the same giant magic for a pint-sized loved one. I just wanted to say HI, I SEE YOU, AND I’M ROOTING FOR YOU TO FIND THE PERFECT MUSICAL GIFT FOR YOUR LOVED ONE! I encourage you to read all the comments from fellow searchers — and tubists — who have chimed in over the years. There’s some great advice down there. The fact that you’re looking for an answer, rather than just telling a kid they have a silly dream, means you’re a pretty damn good parent/guardian/big kid already. Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you all the best! ~ Robyn]
I can’t tell you how many times in my four and a half years as a mom I’ve uttered in my heart the words “I will never be the type of mom who….” and approximately three weeks (months, years, days) later I find that I am EXACTLY THAT TYPE OF MOM AFTER ALL.
Case in point: Christmas.
Two months ago I had friends already searching the Internet, toy catalogs and Black Friday flyers to fulfill their children’s gift wish lists. How ridiculous, I scoffed silently, determined to not EVER become a slave to whatever hard-to-find, über-expensive gift my son might decide on a whim (because that’s pretty much how most little kids decide anything) he wants Santa to bring him. How could you gauge your child’s happiness on whether or not he or she gets one particular thing? I’ll never be that kind of mom.
Never.
Ahem.
The problem I’m up against here is that my 4-year-old only wants one thing for Christmas. At first I was thankful that he is still somehow unaware of what “hot” toys are out there, so his wish list is not filled with Squinkies or Zoobles or iPads or whatever most 4-year-olds are asking for this year. Today, however, I’d silently rejoice if he came to me and said, “Mommy, I really really really really want a Zooble* for Christmas.”
But I am not so lucky: My kid wants a tuba. And when I say “tuba” I mean a real tuba, not some plastic child’s toy version of a tuba, which is fine since that tragically doesn’t exist anyway. (Damn you, Bontempi, how can you make a toy sax, trumpet and clarinet but not a TUBA! Don’t you know they’re in demand this year?!)
We have had the following exchange in our house approximately 476 times since mid-November, because I keep hoping that one day he will magically change his mind:
Me: Kostyn, what do you want for Christmas this year?
Kostyn: A tuba.
Me: Wow, a tuba! What else do you want?
Kostyn: Nothing. I just want a tuba.
It soon became apparent he was not going to waver from this wish. When I told him tubas were hard to play and only kids who were 8 or 9 or 10 could play them, he said, “Well I’m 4 so I need a 4 tuba.”
When I told him tubas were reeeeeally big and heavy and he probably wouldn’t be able to lift one, he stood on his chair and took a huge gulp of milk and said, “I’m growing bigger every day and I can stand like this and play it!”
No joke, his letter to Santa this week included this heart breaker: “I love tubas and I will miss it if you can’t bring me one.”
Sigh.
Because I am a parent, and because parents have an inexplicable drive to want to make all their children’s dreams come true, a few weeks ago I started searching for a tuba. Because you never know, right? The first tuba I found online was listed at $5,995. Immediately I re-Googled “tuba,” adding the very important adjective “used.” Found one for $849. “With a case! And mouthpiece!” (Are mouthpieces usually not included, because hello…)
I knew this was ridiculous. Not only can we not afford a tuba, Kostyn couldn’t even hold a tuba if we could afford one, which let me reiterate for effect here WE CAN NOT. With the kind of December we’re having, we probably couldn’t even afford just the mouthpiece (I hear those are typically sold separately).
Bottom line: It’s not happening. I know this. And yet there he is, answering my friend’s very innocent “Kostyn what did you ask Santa Claus for Christmas?” question over the weekend with an exuberant “A tuba!”
The good news is, I can totally pin this whole thing on Santa. I’m already envisioning the note that will be attached to his present: “Sorry, kiddo, the tuba was too big to fit in the sleigh. Here’s a toy saxophone instead. Ho ho ho!”
But I feel somehow terrible for letting him down, as irrational as that is. This is the first year he “gets” Santa Claus, the first year he wrote the big guy a letter, and was SO EXCITED to get a note back (from Jingles the Elf, who said something like “Wow, a tuba! Those are pretty big and heavy, but I’ll let Santa know….” Thanks, Jingles for the setup…) in their special Santa Mailbox. It’s the first year he asks every morning, noon and night whether it’s Christmas yet.
What makes things worse, at least in my mind, is that Evan will be getting the only thing he keeps asking for: A trumpet. How can Santa deliver on one wish but not the other??
I have no doubt Kostyn will be happy on Christmas morning. I picked out some fun things I know he’ll love, and as I type this his dad is on the back porch in the cold December night building a wooden toy house for both boys that is sure to be a holiday highlight and a launching pad for their imaginations. Still, as a parent I can’t help but feel a little sad, hoping Kostyn sees his new toy saxophone for what it is — another fun musical instrument to add to his collection and use to drive his parents insane — not what it, sadly, isn’t.
And then I think, At least I’m not the kind of parent who would actually spend an exorbitant amount of money on a gift for her preschooler. I’ll NEVER be THAT parent…
[*Note: I have no idea what a Zooble is, or a Squinkie for that matter. But they exist! I promise you; I’ve seen postings about them on Facebook.]
I found your site when looking for 4 year olds and tuba. My 4 year old has expressed extreme interest in playing the tuba. I played cello growing up, so I don’t know much about brass instruments. I assume you can buy a child tuba? I know they make tiny cellos and violins. I am looking for a small tuba for him, just don’t know if they make a small one.
Hi, i play a Bb tuba in high school and im hnvaig trouble with the upper octaves i usually start hnvaig trouble around the high F and up. Do you have any tips? or suggestions?
Just happened across this posting via Mom-101. It’s a bit late for Christmas 2011, but if the desire is still there for 2012 (or if, like Crystal, others with similar searches come across the post), I have some suggestions. I don’t usually post blog comments, but I am so sympathetic to this case, as I was the 7-yr old who really, really, really wanted a harp. (I got lucky, but my parents still went with the equivalents of options #1&2 for the first year until I proved I was serious.)
1. A euphonium/baritone is a LOT like a small tuba. But they are still expensive, so keep in mind that…
2. It is possible to rent these things. $40-$50/month sounds a lot better than $850, and it’ll give you and child a little time to figure out if it’s a real, long-term wish, or if it’s just a passing “oooh!” sort of wish.
3. Sometimes it’s enough to take a child to see and hear the real-live thing. Look up a local community band or orchestra – their concerts are often free. And if you’re *really* lucky, stick around after the show. A sympathetic ol’ tuba player, excited about the possibility of a younger generation of tuba players, might give the young one a chance to put his hands on it and take a tentative blow through the mouthpiece.
Thanks for the tips (and for reading). I posted this on Facebook the day I wrote it, and the response from my friends and loved ones was overwhelming. We ended up with TWO donated instruments – one euphonium and one alto horn. I never expected such a response, but our son was overjoyed on Christmas. Turns out it’s a good thing we have two, because his little brother has really taken a shine to the alto horn. They love playing their “tubas” together. 🙂
Loved reading this! and happy to read that your son got the tuba after all!
This makes me so happy! I love it that people donated their instruments! My younger son has wanted to play the tuba also since he was about 4 years old. He is now 7 and just mentioned he’d like to start when he is in 3rd grade. As he’s been so consistent, I guess it’s time to grant the wish! So happy for your family of tuba players 🙂
Same here! My 4 year old wants a tuba. I can not afford 6,000 for an instrument that she may/may not play.
If you find a small one, please let me know!
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so where so i get one (tuba) for my grandson who was very disappointed when he recieved no TUBA for his 4 th birthday. help me here.
sincerely
desperate gam
ps thank you much
I found your blog because my son is also begging for a tuba from Santa. I can not believe they don’t make child tuba’s like they do the sax, trumpet, guitar and I even saw a HARP in the toy catalog I got in the mail today. But alas, no tuba! Glad you found a horn – I am going to have to go on ebay and hope for the best! 🙂 Loved the post!!
Allie – I would search for a used alto horn, that has been the easiest for my boys (3 and 5) to hold and play. They love the euphonium too, but it’s still a little heavy for them. Good luck!
This was a heart warming read, and I am so glad to hear that your son got his “tuba!” I found your blog after googling “old used tuba” because I’m still searching for a tuba of my own! Most schools and music groups own tubas for people to use, so I’ve never had to look before! I have played the tuba for 20 years and I know all too well the frustration and sadness the lack of a tuba brings! I wanted to mention that most young aspiring tubists actually do begin on the euphonium (or baritone horn
Loved finding this while also searching for a Tuba for my 4 year old for Christmas. That’s all he wants for Christmas since June- a Tuba.
My 4.5 year old son asked for a tuba AGAIN this year, third year in a row!! I will look into an alto horn, thanks 🙂
Update. My now 5.5 year old son has announced he once again wants a tuba. 4th year in a row. I think I finally need to make it happen!
Make it happen, Tanya! Seriously, search for a used euphonium or alto horn. I bet he’ll be thrilled.
My 5 year old has been consistently asking for a tuba for Christmas for weeks. When I told him it would be hard to find one in his size, he assured me that Santa would find a way to bring it. Looks like I’m on the search for one, several years after you are, haha. I’ll look into the alto horn!
Thank you so much for this. My 4 year old has been telling me he wants a tuba since seeing on at a parade for 4th of July. Every time I ask his what he wants or what his favorite instrument is he says, “at tuba, because it makes low, low sounds!” I’ll be looking for a brass horn of some sort before his birthday in November.
My three year old wants a tuba for Christmas. The suggestions from other commenters are helpful. And it makes me feel better, somehow, to know there are other parents debating and searching for toddler tubas.
I hope you had good luck finding something that will keep that spark for music alive in your 3-year-old!
Your words were music to my ears! I’ve been scouring the Internet & cursing Bontempi for not making a toy tuba! This is the first time I’ve stumped Amazon. Thank you, now I know I’m not alone! My three year old saw a marching band for the first time at Notre Dame and now has only one answer when anyone asks him what he wants for Christmas, a TUBA, of course 🙂
Bontempi should pay attention; I have lost track of the number of parents who have reached out to me over these last four years to tell me they, too, have been searching for a child-sized tuba. Good luck with your search!
Wow! Me too with the 4 year old son! SO in love with tubas! Today he shoved his toy trumpet down his shirt with the bell sticking out and pretended to blow in the side. In his mind it was a TUBA. My mom had a brilliant idea. She works with high school kids and one of them is a tuba player. We are investigating “hiring” him to come over with his tuba. Let my son listen and maybe even play with it a little. Can’t say I’m upset about it passion for music and instruments. Thank you for this! It truly made me smile today.
Your mom’s idea IS brilliant. I hope she follows through with that. Your son will be thrilled!
Let me tell you that the problem with loving the Tuba is that they are so costly to purchase. We have been so fortunate that my tuba loving son, who is now 16 has been able to borrow an instrument from his school music department. We now need to buy him his own instrument. Even a lesser quality tuba costs 6-8 thousand and we have no idea where to find this money. Has anyone ever heard of a grant you can apply for to purchase musical instruments for students?
Whoa! I’m from India and my four year old wants a tuba for Christmas. He got fascinated with the word world music concert and just wants tuba. I stumbled on your story after searching in vain to find child tuba/ mini tuba or some kind of plastic toy that resembles or makes a similar sound. Wonder why on earth kids all over the globe get fascinated by this tuba!?!? Great to see your story, but a bit disappointed that my story will not have a happy ending any time soon.
O!M!G! Thank you for writing this!!! Here I thought I was the only mom who’s 2 yo, will be 3 in April 2017, is BEGGING FOR A TUBA!!!! My goodness!!! I’ve been searching high & low for a toy tuba…soo, now I’m on the hunt for an alto!!! Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone, and other options!!!! God bless all these precious music lovers!! XoXo!! ❤️💙
1 year later…still searching for a Tuba!!!! Dog gone!! 😩
Oh no! Any luck yet, Erin??
So, we are now at 2017 and your post came up because I am looking for a tuba for my soon to be 4 year old nephew. Good to know these things stay in style! BTW, no luck yet 🙁
Oh, Heather, I feel for ya. This old post still is the most-visited page on my website. BY FAR. At least a handful of strangers visit this page every single day, no doubt stumbling upon it via their own fruitless Google searches for “child-sized tuba” or “toy tuba.” So at least know that you’re not alone. Contact your local school’s music department, and/or search online for a used alto horn or euphonium — they’re smaller and cheaper and will give that 4-year-old nephew the same thrill as a real tuba. Good luck!
This is SO FUNNY. I didn’t know it was such a common request!!! My kid is 3 and he has been obsessed with finding a tuba since August. He’s got the Bontempi trumpet and loves it dearly. He’s getting a ukelele for Christmas, and we’re going to a local Christmas concert tonight to see a Real Live Tuba in action, and I hope that will keep him happy.
Maybe next year we’ll look into getting that Alto Horn. THANK YOU!!
Melanie, that sounds like a great compromise to the request of having a tuba of his very own. I hope other parents who find this post via their own searches (this post gets a ton of hits a day around the holiday season…) will consider something similar.
DESPERATE PARENTS: If you can’t find a used alto horn or something else that would satisfy your child’s wish for his/her own tuba, perhaps your gift can be a tuba “lesson” with a local tuba player (high school students would be great for this), or a ticket to a concert performance that includes a backstage “meet and greet” with a tuba player…. Something that exposes them to the instrument in a personal way (and maybe lets them feel just how impossibly heavy and unwieldy it is for little hands) could be a hit! Good luck out there!
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This is hilarious. Our son is now four and has been asking for a tuba for over a year. Went through a similar desperate search online which brought me here. We got tuba cupcake toppers for his birthday, he watches countless videos of Oystein Baadsvik, and we’ll go to live symphony performances in the park so he can see them up close. I want to take him to an “instrument petting zoo” which I see posted now and again. I also suggest letting your little tuba enthusiasts hang out in a music store and test out a bunch of brass instruments.
Instrument petting zoos are the best! Sounds like you’re doing all you can to expose him to the best of the brass world out there. Solid parenting props to you….
This was me in 1987. I remember my dad telling me stories about how he walked the streets of Manhattan looking for any dumpy used tuba that didn’t cost an arm and a leg which he could buy for his 3yr old. I ended up playing Euphonium and Tuba from 5th grade through high school and still dabble with them when I have the time. So, best advice I have is just keep encouraging your kids to explore music in any form. They’ll get their tubas eventually, and I promise if they’re asking now, that fascination with them won’t go away. I kid you not, my own 3 year old is now asking for a tuba for his birthday. Nothing else. It’s a special club we’re all part of evidently.
I like the idea that we’re all in a club together. I often wonder whether some of these commenters over the years ended up finding what they were looking for. The number of “hits” this blog post gets is steady throughout the year (at least one or two visits to this post every single day … often the only visitors to my site….), and ramps up big-time around the holidays — and my heart goes out to all those parents trying to make holiday dreams come true. I love that in your case, the tuba bug is genetic!
I came accross this post by accident. I am a pro trombonist and music teacher, and have started many young children on the euphonium and or baritone. Technically the euphonium is a tuba, the tenor member of the tuba family. The large tuba seen in bands and orchestras is usually a contra bass tuba, or bass tuba. So, for a kid interested in tuba, a euphonium or baritone is the best place to start. They do come up on Ebay, often at reasonable prices. One more thing, the baritone and euphonium are technically different instruments, but the names are used interchangeably in the us. Both instruments are similar, same range and technique. Great to hear about so much interest in tuba, best of luck to all!
Laughing at the comments. My husband is a music enthusiast as a hobby and loves to try everything. He plays strings mostly, but has a huge tuba he barely knows how to play. My son not yet 2 makes instruments out of cooking utensils and I think would love a ‘tuba’ and that led me here.
What is it with 4 year-olds and tubas? It’s all my granddaughter wants and probably the weirdest thing I’ve ever googled. I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence as her Nana if I didn’t pursue this. I’m grateful to have found this support group.
Hi Robyn, I too found your blog when searching for a toy tuba for my 3 1/2 year old grandson. He saw the tubas playing at a Fresno State basketball game last spring and has been marching and pretend-playing a tuba since then.
Finding no toy tuba, I saw the suggestion to check out eBay for the smaller euphonium, and got him a used one. He was so happy, and can actually use the smaller mouthpiece to make real tuba sounds! Now I just have to find someone willing to provide tuba lessons for our little guy. Thanks Robyn
Crying laughing that I’m not the only parent out there with a toddler who dreams of a Tuba! But the real Question is how is this still not easily remedied ten years later?! Come on world, we need a cheap tuba option! LOL
Caitlin, trust me, I can’t believe it either. Good luck with your search! 🙂
Just saying hi as a mum of a four-year-old boy who’s expecting a tuba from Santa this year. Four really seems to be the age for falling in love with tubas!
Good luck to future tuba hunters out there – I think we’re going to go down the Bontempi trumpet route and spin some tale like ‘Santa decided it’s better for now’.
Thanks for saying hi! The 4-year-old tuba enthusiast I wrote about is now a 14-year-old music lover! I think a Bontempi trumpet is a fine alternative at that age. Good for you for finding a way to ignite the fire you see being sparked by your son’s tuba request. Happy hunting!