Piano Intonation

[rchayden1@juno.com]

Hey Folks,

Maybe its my education background, but I'm starting to get livid when
people say they can't hear when a piano is out of tune.   You know what I
do?  I take 90 seconds and teach them.

If your 'victim' is hearing you, he can learn about intonation.   

Demonstrate a bad unison.   "Hear that 'WaWaWa?"  If they don't, make it
worse and ask again, moving the speed of the beats makes them noticeable.
 Then demonstrate a clean unison.  Go back to the bad one.  Ask which is
pleasant and which isn't.  Knowing when a piano is out of tune is easily
comprehended.  It doesn't take much repetition for anyone to get it.  

If you have a sharp pupil, demonstrate the octave next.  Sing out of
tune.  Sing in tune.  Once their ears have 'caught' it they will be most
amazed. .  Let them hear what true is. Let them feel it in their ears. 

I have taught several non singers to sing.   And have never failed to
teach anyone who asks about piano intonation. 

Roger Hayden, RPT,