Improving Intonation for String Players
All string players, regardless of experience struggle with intonation to some degree or another. A violin (or viola, cello or bass) doesn’t automatically produce a correct note when a button or key is pushed (like a piano), but the fingers must make constant adjustments to achieve the correct pitch. Here are some tips to help your students play better in tune:
1. Emphasize ear training early on (even for beginners). I teach my students how to hear the difference between half and whole steps within the first few weeks of lessons. Gradually build up to bigger intervals. Students must take time to practice this on their own as class or lesson time will never be sufficient (as is the case with most things!)
One great resource is www.musictheory.net where students can identify various intervals when quizzed. Students can even isolate one or two intervals on the site.
2. Teach students to sing in solfege. If a student can learn to “sight sing” a passage, he/she is much more likely to be able to play it in tune.
3. Practice having students identify matching notes by playing a pitch on a tuner, then playing the note on the instrument. Start out with the note really out of tune (either too high or low) and have students point up if the pitch needs to go higher, or down if the note need to go lower. Determine a signal for when the note is in tune (in a large class, I have students close their eyes as they do this so that I can asses how each student is doing.)
4. Have students practice familiar songs in new keys (i.e. playing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” starting on 1st finger E on the D string.) They will be more focused on how the song sounds than just reading the notes.
5. To improve intonation in upper positions, have students try playing some familiar tunes using only one string. For free downloads of shifting exercises using only one string, click here.
Topics: Students, Classroom Teachers, Private Teachers, Basic Skills |
October 13th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Hey Amber,
Great articles. I should practice, huh? Actually music camp motivated me - hopefully it will help for awhile!
MOM
December 28th, 2007 at 10:13 am
How does one “self teach” ear training? I’ve been playing violin for 3 years, and Im having trouble training my ears. I don’t have a private lessons teacher, I learn through the public school system.
Thanks!
December 30th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Sabrina,
Thanks for your question. I think repetition is the best way to train your ear. The website www.musictheory.net is a great resource. Being a violinist, it is really important that you can hear and understand interval relationships. A good place to start is with half steps and whole steps. Learn to hear and feel the difference between the two.
Also, try doing the one string exercises mentioned in the article or try playing familiar songs in new keys (by ear).
I’d love more suggestions from anyone reading!
Thanks!