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  • B. Wirght - Staying Sharp

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    Luca Del Ben
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    This document provides tips for developing an internal sense of pitch for trumpet players. It recommends listening to and singing along with music, playing with other musicians, and using a tuner for reference only rather than reaction. The main tip is to play each note of a scale slowly with full breaths until it sounds right internally before checking the tuner. Patience is key, as developing a strong inner pitch takes regular practice listening, singing, and playing with others over time.

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    This document provides tips for developing an internal sense of pitch for trumpet players. It recommends listening to and singing along with music, playing with other musicians, and using a tuner for reference only rather than reaction. The main tip is to play each note of a scale slowly with full breaths until it sounds right internally before checking the tuner. Patience is key, as developing a strong inner pitch takes regular practice listening, singing, and playing with others over time.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    3 views10 pages

    B. Wirght - Staying Sharp

    Uploaded by

    Luca Del Ben
    This document provides tips for developing an internal sense of pitch for trumpet players. It recommends listening to and singing along with music, playing with other musicians, and using a tuner for reference only rather than reaction. The main tip is to play each note of a scale slowly with full breaths until it sounds right internally before checking the tuner. Patience is key, as developing a strong inner pitch takes regular practice listening, singing, and playing with others over time.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 10

    Stay Sharp

    How to play in tune

    BENWRIGHTTRUMPET.COM
    GOOD PITCH
    IS INTERNAL
    I grew up listening to my father, an
    excellent clarinetist, practice every day. I
    wasn’t always paying attention, but his solid
    rhythm and pitch have stayed with me to
    this day.
    Using the tuner gets you
    closer to your goal. But to
    play well in a
    performance, the tuner is
    only one part of a more
    holistic approach to
    develop your inner sense
    of pitch.
    page 2
    How to develop
    internal pitch
    Listen
    to music as much as
    possible, even if it's only in
    the background. It can be
    anything from Bach to
    The Beatles.

    I prefer piano music—the


    intonation is accurate,
    and pianists' articulations
    translate well for brass
    instruments. The Well-
    Tempered Clavier is a
    personal favorite.

    page 3
    SING

    Sing along with the


    music. Don't be shy.
    Take full breaths and
    sing like you mean it!!!

    Make sure to "Trumpet-


    Sing." Use a trumpet-
    friendly articulation like
    "tah, tu, tee, dah, du,
    dee," etc.

    page 4
    PLAY WITH YOUR
    FRIENDS

    The better the ensemble, the easier it is


    to hone your sense of pitch.
    Try to work with players who are at
    your level or better.
    Their consistency will help you!

    page 5
    USE THE TUNER FOR
    REFERENCE ONLY
    If your only goal is moving the
    needle to the center, you are simply
    reacting to what you are seeing. For
    brass players, a tuner should mostly
    be used to determine just how out of
    tune your instrument really is!!

    Use the following


    exercise as a
    template for
    effective tuner use.

    page 6
    STEP 1

    With the tuner OFF, play the first five notes


    of a G major scale at mf.
    Remember to take full breaths.
    Breathe like you're singing a song!
    Play slowly, slurred, staying on
    each note until it sounds right to
    your ear.
    Breathe as needed, but plan on 3-4
    counts per note at 60-80 BPM.
    Play it again with your eyes closed
    and listen for a ringing tone.

    page 7
    Step 2

    With the tuner ON...


    Set to equal temperament
    Pitch Frequency should be set to
    440 or 441 (depending on your
    ensemble).
    Using the same scale, play each
    note with your eyes closed,
    opening them once it sounds in
    tune.
    As soon the pitch sounds right to
    you, open your eyes and check the
    tuner.

    page 8
    remember

    Stay on the pitch until you get it in tune.


    Don’t pinch or sag to get it to the right spot.
    Try to BLOW it to the right spot, listening for
    a lively sound.

    Take full breaths as needed.


    Repeat with each note of the scale and then
    assess.
    If you were consistently sharp or flat, alter your
    tuning slide accordingly.
    If you don't notice a pattern (this is more
    common), start again from step 1.
    Remember, many notes on the trumpet will
    trend sharp or flat
    Learning these tendencies are crucial.

    page 9
    PATIENCE
    IS THE KEY
    This may take some time.
    BUT IT IS WORTH IT.
    A strong inner sense of pitch is key to
    success.

    Its development starts with listening, singing


    and playing with others.

    Using a tuner is an important tool as only a


    single aspect of a larger holistic approach to
    developing the pillar of a strong sense of
    pitch.

    page 10

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