TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Here are some tools that you can use when you practice to help you get better faster!

METRONOME- A metronome clicks a steady beat to help you go the same speed as you play. The number that it is set at tells how many times it will sound every minute, so if it's set at 60, it beats 60 times a minute, or once every second. The website linked here also has other goodies, some of which we'll include here!

TUNER- This tuner will work as long as you have a microphone. Just play a note and the wheel will turn and show you what note you're playing. If the wheel stops to the left of the note, you're flat. If it stops to the right, you're sharp.

If you can download an app, download BANDMATE TUNER. It's excellent. It not only lets you know if you're in tune, it displays the note you're playing on the music staff. This is very helpful if you play a note in first position and aren't sure if you're playing a Bb or an F!

STAFF PAPER- Feel free to print out some staff paper with the bass clef already placed at the beginning of each staff! This sheet has 8 staves (more than one staff). The website has many other options.

TUNING DRONE- A drone is a continuously sounding note. It's very helpful when you want to hear if you're playing in tune. For example, if the drone plays a Bb, you could play a Bb scale and would be able to adjust your intonation so that each note would sound correct. This drone, created by Dr. Benjamin Coy, has many features that are extremely useful!