Mason Soria | How He Became Principal Tuba in the LA Philharmonic

Mason Soria, principal tuba of the Los Angeles Philharmonic sat down with us for an inspiring and insightful conversation about his journey from student to professional musician. In this exclusive interview, Mason shares his experiences growing up in Southern California and Texas, his early inspirations, and how his path through the Frost School of Music studying with Dr. Aaron Tindall and winning jobs with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and Richmond Symphony shaped his artistic voice. Mason offers valuable advice for musicians navigating the audition world, orchestral life, and staying true to their musical goals. Listen to Mason describe his preparation for his LA Phil audition, touring internationally with Gustavo Dudamel, and exciting things in the future.

About the Artist:
Mason Soria began his musical endeavors on the tuba at the age of 10 and currently holds the Tuba position in the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Mason’s orchestral pursuit began in his sophomore year of high school he won the Principal Tuba position in the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. He held this position for the rest of high school and was able to go on the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra China Tour in the summer of 2015. He was then awarded a full tuition music scholarship to the University of North Texas, where he studied with Professors Donald Little and Matthew Good in pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance. Mason has since been chosen as a semifinalist in the Leonard Falcone International Tuba Artist Competition in 2018 and 2021. He was also awarded a fellowship to the prestigious Aspen Music Festival where he studied with Warren Deck in 2019, and later in 2021 when he won the Aspen Music Festival Brass Concerto Competition. Shortly after returning from his first summer in Aspen, Mason won the Principal Tuba position with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra in 2019. He held that position while he started his masters degree at the Frost School of Music at University of Miami where he was a teaching assistant studying under the tutelage of Dr. Aaron Tindall from 2020-2022. While in his last semester at Frost, Mason won the Principal Tuba position with the Richmond Symphony, only playing a few weeks of concerts before he won the Tuba position with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in May 2022.

Directed by Natalie Colegrove
Sound by Charley Pollard
Edited by Natalie Colegrove
Music courtesy of Mason Soria’s Recital on 3/31/25 at USC
Pictures form Aaron Tindall’s Facebook
In affiliation with the International Tuba Euphonium Association
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*About the International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA):*

Officially founded in 1973 as the Tubists Universal Brotherhood Association, the International Tuba Euphonium Association is dedicated to promoting and advancing the tuba and euphonium instruments. The organization comprises performers, educators, students, and amateurs of all backgrounds. As a non-profit organization, it is supported by membership dues and donations.

*ITEA Mission Statement:*

ITEA shall foster bonds among all tuba and euphonium players, create enthusiasm for the instruments and its performers, celebrate diversity, support professional development, promote the sharing of resources, and encourage teaching and learning about the instruments.

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