Tuning Instruments 101

Funded Mar 11, 2022

My students really enjoyed using their new tuners for their instruments this quarter. All of my 6th graders learned how to tune their instruments using their fine tuners on their violins, violas, cellos and basses at the beginning of this school year. However, we only had 2-3 older tuners per classroom (they were a bit outdated they did the job!).

The students were very excited to get "new tuners" for the classroom and everyone wanted to try them out when they came in. They were easy for the students to use and with about 5 in each of my classrooms we could tune more quickly than using just the 2 or 3 older tuners. When it's tuning time at the beginning of class, I put all of the tuners (new and old) out and the first ones gone are the new ones!

In addition, I think it's helpful that the students can use pizzicato (plucking) or use their bow to tune with using these particular tuners. Some students are more self-conscious than others and so this provided an option for those more self-conscious folk.

I think next school year, I would like to use the tuners to help the students get a more thorough understanding of pitch levels (up and down, sharp and flat) and for them to be quicker at identifying the higher sound or lower sound between two pitches. I'm hoping that by developing this knowledge will help them to tune their instruments more quickly.”

With gratitude,

Dr. H