Tone quality and intonation
- Tune the instrument with accuracy and more independence
- Recognise and play with reasonable intonation more consistently:
- developing some ability to adjust and effect changes such as crescendo and diminuendo
- Play with a controlled tone with more consistency across a larger range of notes and dynamics
Practise tuning by inviting learners to match a note played deliberately sharp or flat by the teacher.
Ask learners to play in unison with the teacher to match intonation.
Encourage learners to play long notes with crescendo and diminuendo, concentrating on maintaining a constant pitch.
Ask learners to listen to each other performing a piece. Ask them to comment on consistency of tone quality when the pitch and/or dynamics change.
Throughout these activities, ensure that learners are aware of the physiological aspects that affect intonation and tone quality, e.g. breathing, embouchure and the need to adjust.
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
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