Klarinet Archive - Posting 000950.txt from 1997/08

From: werner lindschinger s <wlindsch@-----.ca>
Subj: Re: Chromatic Tuner & Intonation (fwd)
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 19:33:48 -0400

I forwarded your message to my good oboist friend (my wife) and this was
her reply.

> BTW reed players are neurotic enough searching for the perfect reed --
> searching for perfect intonation could push us over the edge!

Hey, I thought this only applies to oboists!! Are you clarinetists
trying to elbow in on our territory???

--------------------------------------

About tuning:

> Anyway, this little box seems to indicate that I can't play hardly a
> single note in tune. Well, OK, one note, A 440, but after that it's not
> looking too good.
> searching for perfect intonation could push us over the edge!

Hey, I've been there, done that, and they don't even make a T-shirt!!

So, if you want to forward this the following suggestion for tuning
practice to this person, feel free, unless other people have already
answered this better. Also, I wouldn't mind getting tips on this from
other people. (hlindsch@-----.ca)

> So, can anyone please offer some practical exercises for using a
> chromatic tuner to improve intonation.

Assuming your reed is stable, do long note practice -- hold the note,
adjusting embouchure and/or air support until the pitch matches the tuner;
listen carefully to the quality of the sound at correct pitch. Also
practice these long notes starting softly, getting louder, softer again,
always trying to maintain correct pitch. Be aware of your embouchure and
breath support at correct pitch. I find this exercise is good to catch me
on poor embouchure habits (e.g. biting too hard).

Pick a limited range to concentrate on for one practice session. If you
try to do your instrument's whole range in each session, you may frustrate
yourself out of the exercise. After a while, you should find that your
ear improves its pitch perception (the whole point of the exercise, I
think). Use the tuner as a training tool, but don't get so hung up on
matching pitches that you lose the enjoyment of playing.

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