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Tuning in Orchestra

A unit for introductory tuning with a tuner. Components include readiness, bowing technique, aural skills of high/low/same/different, how fine tuners work, how an electronic tuner works, calibration, benefits of using an electronic tuner instead of an app/computer, good quality tuners, understanding the musical alphabet when instruments are far out of tune, and steps for how tuning works.

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

1.

Tuning in Orchestra

How to use a tuner to assist in bringing your open strings in tune
Photo by Matti Mattila
2.

Listening Readiness

  • Can you hear In-tune vs. out-of-tune in a large group?
  • Can you hear same/different pitch, when comparing two sounds?
  • Can you identify if a sound is lower/higher than the tuning sound
  • Tuning is a listening skill.
Photo by meolog
3.

Instrument Readiness

  • Understands how fine tuners work (elementary school)
  • Advanced: understand how tuning pegs work (middle school)
  • Must have bow hold!
  • Must be able to produce a clear sound by bow smoothing/slowly in the sweet spot
  • Must hold instrument in correct position
  • If you don't sound good when bowing, work on that skill before learning how to tune.
Photo by Dan Gold
4.

All about tuners

  • Turn off after using (won't go to sleep)
  • Calibration must be 440 hz (measurement of sound waves for note A4)
  • right side of display--too high
  • left side of display--too low
  • If not playing correct note, must know how to use the musical alphabet
Photo by Antti Simonen
5.

Fine Tuners

  • "Righty tighty lefty loosey"
  • Clockwise: makes string sound higher
  • Counter clockwise: makes string sound lower
  • Want to gauge to point straight up and down
  • Must say correct letter name of string (A-D-G-C/E)
Photo by Mathew Bajoras
6.

Partner Tuning

  • You tune your own instrument
  • Your partner bows your instrument
  • You bow your partner's instrument
  • Why? Keeps instruments safe from drops. Better tuning in the beginning.
  • There is a special way to bow and tune your own instrument--be patient. We'll get there!
7.

How to bow when tuning

  • Softly/slowly, start with upbow
  • Each bow should take 8 counts
  • Tuner should hold tuner close to string so that it picks up the correct sound.
  • It will be out-of-tune if you bow too fast or not in the sweet spot.
  • MUST USE CORRECT BOWING TECHNIQUE
Photo by JeremyOK
8.

How . . .

  • The bower should start bowing on A with an up bow. Bow slowly, smoothly, with good sound.
  • The tuner watches the tuner and determines if the string is out of tune or in tune.
  • If it is out of tune, is it too high or too low?
  • Turn the appropriate fine tuner until the display dial is pointing straight up and down. Look for a green light.
  • The display must say the correct letter name (hint: we have no strings that should sound like a B or C# or F).
  • Do the same for the other 3 strings. This order . . . A, D, G, E/C.
Photo by APMus
9.

What if it is way far out of tune?

  • You have to work with the musical alphabet.
  • A-B-C-D-E-F-G
  • You have to know what notes are higher than your string name and what are lower.
  • You will turn the fine tuner more turns.
  • Mrs. Miller may need to use your tuning pegs.
Photo by SAN_DRINO
10.

Musical Alphabet

A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G
Photo by Andrew Imanaka

Tani Miller