Input for Intro Tuning Presentation

[Dennis Benson]

Joel,
    I've done a class on tuning as it relates to brass instruments. The
emphasis was on the importance of matching pitch with a group of brass
instruments (trombones in particular). I was able to demonstrate to them
with a college trombone quartet the additional power and focus unisons and
chords have with good intonation (matching harmonics or in brass language,
partials).
    Instrumentalists don't use equal temperment unless they are playing a
solo with piano. In normal playing  they tune each chord and unison with the
other instruments, trying for 0 beats on every note. You could point this
out as one difference. Pianos by necessity have to be set ahead of time and
must incorporate beats, especially in the 3rds, 6ths etc.,  no matter which
temperment you might use.
    Also, matching harmonics, unisons, and octaves are something we live
with every day as piano technicians.
    Good luck.
    I don't have a copy of the class, sorry.

    Dennis Benson

-----Original Message-----
From: JCSwafford@AOL.COM <JCSwafford@AOL.COM>
To: pianotech@ptg.org <pianotech@ptg.org>
Date: Sunday, October 17, 1999 4:37 PM
Subject: Re: Input for Intro Tuning Presentation


>Dear List:
>
>I have been asked to do a tuning presentation for a high school band class.
>I have practically no experience in teaching, but have a fairly thorough
>understanding of tuning theory in equal temperament.
>
>I need to adapt this knowledge to areas of band instruments and their
>functioning in solo and ensemble. The band teacher wanted me to explain to
>the students why it is important to pay attention to pitch in particular.
>
>I would very much appreciate some input in the way of guidelines or
>individual content for this type of presentation. Any ideas that you have
>would be beneficial, especially from those experienced lecturers. If you
have
>handouts or outlines from your presentations I would very much love to have
>them.
>
>The presentation will be about 30 minutes.
>
>Thanks for your help.
>
>Joel Swafford, RPT