Tone quality and intonation
- Tune the instrument with accuracy independently, recognising when retuning is necessary
- Recognise and play with secure intonation:
- adjusting and effecting changes
- Play with a consistent, controlled tone quality across a large range of notes and dynamics developing different tone colours and timbres
Help learners to tune their instruments to different timbres, e.g. piano, violin, oboe.
Ask learners to play tunes and exercises that incorporate notes with unsafe intonation, e.g. middle C sharp on trumpet. Use instrument-specific techniques to adjust or correct.
Play two contrasting pieces, e.g. one slow and sad, the other fast and jazzy. Compare the tone quality needed for each piece. Discuss the appropriateness of the different sounds.
Ask learners to practise scales using long notes with a crescendo and diminuendo on each note, paying particular attention to consistency of pitch.
Learners should begin to be aware of technical aids to assist intonation where available, depending on the size of the learner (if teaching children) and the suitability of the instrument:
- Trumpets
- triggers
- Horns
- hand position in bell
- Trombones
- fine adjustment of the slide
- Tubas/Euphoniums
- use of fourth valve for tuning
Consider using an electronic tuner to check consistency of pitch whilst changing volume.
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