AboutDavid Expertise I mainly aim to answer questions about playing techniques--intonation,
vibrato, bowing etc. I am somewhat familiar with Baroque and Classical music, though not as much with Romantic. I am unable to answer questions about advanced music theory, violin crafters/brands or the monetary value of a violin.
Experience I have played the violin about nine discontinuous years. Most of my work has been orchestral, with some soloing throughout. I was principal 2nd violinist of the Disney Honors Orchestra in 1998, a six-time All-State Orchestra violinist, a two-time assistant concertmaster and two-time concertmaster of my All-County Orchestra. I also have perfect pitch, which I believe can be learned (though I do not claim to know how to teach it).
Since starting medical school in 2004, I have had fewer chances to play, but I hope to someday resume on a regular basis.
Question What am I supposed to listen for to determine if my intonation is right or not? Is it just that you learn what each note is supposed to sound like, or are you supposed to rely on intervals? Thanks!
Answer Hi Jojo,
While intervals have their purpose, you should definitely learn to determine when an individual note is in tune or out of tune. A good way to do this is to play one note on the violin while listening to the same note played on a piano, but first make sure the piano is in tune. If you're alone, you can play the note on the piano and keep it sustained with the pedal--preferably the MIDDLE pedal, not the one on the right, as the one in the middle will simply sustain the note, whereas the one on the right will change the tone quality of the note (which is useful in piano music but not for this purpose). If you have someone else with you who can hold down the piano note, that would make it easier. Listen to your note on the violin along with the same note on the piano and if the difference is significant you will probably notice; you may also notice a very minute difference. If you have someone with you who is musically trained, s/he can help you determine whether the note you're playing is in tune with the piano note or not.
Another alternative is to get a tuner which tells you whether a note is in tune or not. You can play a note on the violin, and this type of tuner will tell you how sharp or flat you are playing, or if you are in tune. Many tuners can also sound a desired note on the scale, and you can try to play along with the note the tuner sounds, instead of the piano. One caution point though: don't rely too much on having the tuner tell you whether or not you are in tune, or you risk focusing too much on a visual cue (the tuner's needle or equivalent) and not enough on actually listening to the note, which is the main goal.
I hope this is of some help, good luck in all your musical endeavors!
Sincerely, David
