Indiana University Tuba and Euphonium Studio

About Us

The Indiana University Tuba-Euphonium Studio stands as one of the most influential training grounds in the history of tuba and euphonium performance and pedagogy in the United States, a legacy that begins with the 1961 appointment of William J. Bell. A pioneering tubist with the Sousa Band, New York Philharmonic, Cincinnati Symphony, and NBC Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. His students would go on to populate major orchestras and university faculties, laying the groundwork for what would become a defining pedagogical lineage in the field.

Bell was succeeded by Harvey Phillips in 1971, whose impact expanded the studio’s reach far beyond the university. Often called the “Mr. Tuba,” Phillips transformed the instrument’s role in American musical life through tireless advocacy, commissioning, and community-building. During his tenure at Indiana University, he was a founding member of the International Tuba-Euphonium Association (formerly T.U.B.A.) in 1973 and hosted the first conference at IU in 1974.

In 1994, Daniel Perantoni, or “Mr. P,” ushered in decades of continued excellence, shaping the modern identity of the studio through his teaching, artistry, and leadership. Under his direction, the studio became synonymous with consistency at the highest level, producing generations of performers who now hold positions in leading orchestras, premier military bands, and top academic institutions. The breadth of his students’ success reflects a studio culture grounded in individual development, high expectations, and real-world preparation. Mr. P hosted the 2014 International Tuba-Euphonium Conference, marking ITEA’s 40th anniversary at the same institution where the inaugural conference was held.

Today, under the direction of Matt Hightower, the Indiana University Tuba-Euphonium Studio continues to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in this historic lineage. The program emphasizes artistic individuality, stylistic fluency, and entrepreneurial thinking alongside traditional performance training. With a focus on preparing students for a rapidly changing musical landscape, the studio builds on more than six decades of excellence while actively shaping the future of the low brass profession.