Taught by renowned cellist
tonebase Artists
This course goes into great depth in what is perhaps the most complex and difficult subject for a string player: that of intonation. We begin with lessons about how to use a tuner. We then explore the use of drones, overtones, finding tonal freedom, and purity of tone. We learn how deeply intertwined sound and intonation are. Next we look at the role 4ths and 5ths play in tuning, as we begin to explore repertoire application. Finally, we learn to think harmonically as we train our ear in more advanced ways.
The Use of Drones
In this lesson, Astrid Schween gives us important concerts when it comes to practicing intonation. We begin with using our open strings and octaves related to the open strings to feel the pitch and resonance of the cello. We then move on to using a drone and continue with scales, and Schween also speaks about using the drone to help us with expressive melodies. When we practice intonation with a drone, we add stability and reliability to our intonation, and Schween recommends this slow, quiet work daily.
Thinking Harmonically and Advanced Intonation Work
In this lesson, we learn advanced ways of practicing intonation. Professor Sherry places an emphasis on thinking harmonically and technically about intonation while learning to trust one's ear at the same time. We also learn the importance of listening to intonation in context, practicing passages with one finger only, and the intonation methods of the great violinist Joseph Silverstein.
4ths, 5ths, and Repertoire Application
In this lesson, Jan Vogler stresses that playing in tune is not simply a matter of “right” or “wrong.” There are many different kinds of intonation, such as harmonic, melodic, and tempered, and everything sounds and fits together differently. It’s important to note that knowing how and why we hit a certain note over and over is where the perfection in cello playing comes from: the combination of intent and consistency.
Using a Tuner
In this lesson, we go in depth on the uses of a tuner. Metcalf believes strongly that when we practice slowly with the drone of a single pitch, we can effectively train both our ear and our left hand. Tuners, as she explains, are especially crucial when dealing with music that does not incorporate many open strings in the key-signature (such as E-flat major) as we do not have the reference points that we do with an "open" key such as G major.
Overtones, Tonal Freedom, and Purity of Intonation
In this lesson, we learn some objective rules about intonation, including how to tune our cellos. Professor Clein introduces us to her number system for hearing intonation and tuning to our open strings. Clein also spends some time showing how to create a sense of "chromatic pain" in particularly expressive repertoire. We also learn the importance of creating overtones, resonance, strong fingers, and a pure tone to hear intonation clearly.
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