The Importance of Using a Tuner: Finding Your Perfect Pitch
Music is a beautiful language, but like any language, it relies on clear communication. Just like people speaking the same language can do so with different accents to their voice so too can musicians play the same note but with slight changes in the way it sounds. The pitch may be a bit high or a bit low, and over the centuries musicians have come up with ways to analyze these differences so that multiple musicians can better "play in tune." Just as proper grammar and pronunciation are essential for understanding spoken words, playing in tune is paramount for creating harmonious music. This is where the tuner comes in. For the beginner (or even the more advanced musician) it can be a vital tool for developing accuracy of pitch.
Scroll down to view the comparison chart of over a dozen different portable digital audio recorders.
Here's another great listening (and watching) resource for music teachers. For those that are trying to find new ways to add critical listening experiences to our classrooms there are a number of great sites to go to to listen to free music. Spotify, Grooveshark, and many others are the biggies, but those that want a video option as well may want to check out a new site that marries easy searching for tracks with YouTube videos of the performances! Read on to find out more.
Learning complicated rhythms can be a challenge to those not yet advanced enough in their instruction to play them. A new iPhone and iPad app is set to change all that via a simple, calculator style interface that allows you to type in any rhythm and hear it played back instantly.
I teach 5th grade band and at this level there is really no reason to invest in a set of Chimes or a Vibraphone. Still, on rare occasions I program music into the concerts that might require such instruments, and rather than leaving them out or having the kids play them on their bell set I have long wished for a good, low cost alternative. I may have found one in the PercussionSS iPad app.
The brain child of Bob Kellar of Harvey Mudd College, Impro-Visor is a useful jazz accompaniment and improvisation training aid that can challenge anyone from the barest beginner to the advanced jazz artist. Using a setup similar to that of Band-In-A-Box, Impro-Visor can help you train your improvisational talents, and it will do it all for free.
Here’s another budget saving tip for your classroom. Did you ever need to have a larger poster sized diagram or photo made to put on the wall of your room? Custom posters can cost a lot to have made at a print shop, and if you go looking for a pre-made poster chances are you will never find one that is exactly like what you had in mind. Luckily there is a web site that will take your photo, chart, or anything else and let you make your own huge poster at home.
