Metronome

A metronome is an important tool for musicians.  It is a small piece of equipment that produces a steady beat at varying speeds.  Musicians practice with a metronome to learn the nuances of playing music in a steady beat (our natural tendencies are to speed up).  Metronomes come in different sizes and shapes.  I recommend a quartz metronome that is loud enough to be heard while playing but can also be used with an earpiece.    Metronomes are used by everyone from beginners to professionals.

Tuners

Tuners are an important piece of equipment for musicians.  They tell you if you are playing in or out of tune and how far in/out you are.  They also aid our ears while tuning the actual instrument.   There are several styles of tuners with a large price range.  I recommend the Korg CA-30.  Tuners are used by everyone from beginners to professionals.

Using a Tuner

    Tuners are a great aid in determining whether or not your string is in tune.  It is important however to learn what the tuner actually does before you try to correct the string.  If you tighten it too much (which doesn’t take much) you will break the string.  (strings are becoming more and more costly) 

Tuning by ear

Those who have developed the skill can tune their A string to another source (piano, pitch pipe, tuner, oboe player in orchestra) and proceed to tune the rest of the strings by ear using the intervals. 

 Weather problems

Stringed instrument face a special problem when the weather changes.  During the winter months the wood contracts making the peg holes bigger and the strings loosen.  When the weather gets very warm the wood expands and the pegs become more difficult to turn.  In either case if you are not confident that you can tune your instrument without damaging it or the strings you should take it to your teacher for tuning. 

Concert Dress:

Black slacks or Skirt (must fall below knee when seated)
Black socks

Black or nice dress shoes

White turtleneck shirt

Purple Instrumental Music sweater (No sweater for Spring concert)

Remember to bring: Instrument
Music
Supplies

Leave instrument case in parents car for parades.

All students are expected to be on time stay for the entire concert.  Parents, please plan on listening to your child perform and staying until the end of the concert. The concert will should be under 1 hours in length. Your support is important appreciated!