Arban Complete Method for Tuba Fourth Edition

Spiral binding is wonderful for page turning and lying flat. Not all the section first pages consistently show Roman numerals as per the table of contents.

This review compares the Encore Arban tuba book with the Carl Fisher Arban tuba book. Since I have not seen a comparison review and because I own both books, I will offer the info. The big differences in these books are the text and the binding. The text is better in the Encore version (my opinion), but the Fisher version is still of some value. The big difference (and this is very important) is that the Encore version is spiral bound. Without spiral binding, a 300+ page book will not stay open on your music stand and therefore is useless. The short answer is simply to purchase the Encore (Young) Arban Method to avoid huge frustration. More details: It seems that the music is the same in both books. I did not check every page, but I am pretty sure they are the same. The text is completely different in these two versions. The Fisher book has some funny errors such as using the word “trumpet” instead of “tuba”. This makes me think that all of the text may not really be written for tuba but simply taken from an old trumpet Arban. The text is not bad, it is just not as complete and focused on the tuba as the text by Dr. Young in the Encore version. As I said above, the binding is a huge issue. A book like the Fisher Arban would be good at a library as it sits flat on the SHELF. But, on a music stand it is USELESS. As soon as I open it up to practice it quickly slams shut! USELESS. So, I give five stars to this Encore version of Arban. I do not know how to rate the Fisher book fairly because of the binding issues.

Book looks great, nice bindings to it and affordable price point.

i truly agree on the arban complete method it is a great book.it has great exercises to build up your sound and technique.

This is one of the compulsory texts for tuba! Along with the Blazhevich and Bordogni (spelling) for etudes. But the arbans is better. spiral bound, it has everything! Etudes, scales, great info about breathing and playing. The authors have really improved upon the trumpet Arbans.

This book is amazing. Defiantly worth every penny. Should be the core of every tuba player's library

I bought this book for my son in high school. It is very complete. I don't know what else could be said about playing the tuba!

My daughter has wanted this book for awhile and it comes highly recommended by her Tuba instructor. She will be very surprised for Christmas! :)

Encore publications are simply the best methods for the tuba. They cover all facets of performance. I highly recommend these studies to all tuba students. They are a must for your library!