Q: Will the Play In Pitch program teach me how to play the
violin, viola, or cello?
A: No. The Play in Pitch method is not a “how to”
instructional guide for learning how to play a string instrument. We recommend
that beginner music students, no matter the instrument, acquire the assistance
of a qualified teacher. However, if you choose a teach yourself method for
learning a string instrument the Play in Pitch program will aid you greatly in
training your ears to recognize that you are playing in tune, playing in
correct pitch.
Q: Is the Play In Pitch method just for string instruments?
A: No. The program was designed primarily for string instruments
but it can also be used for voice or any instrument such as the trumpet,
clarinet, flute, etc., that requires being centered on a note.
Q What if I’ve been playing a string instrument for some
time and have acquired some degree of proficiency on my instrument, will the
Play in Pitch method be of benefit to me?
A: Absolutely! Included in the Play in Pitch manual
are several intermediate to advanced exercise plans designed to aid the student
in harmony recognition and parallel and contrary scale motion. Also, coming
soon to the Play in Pitch web site will be a free monthly video lesson
demonstrating the numerous ways to use the Play In Pitch method.
Q: What is concert pitch A=440hz?
A: Concert pitch (also known as A=440) is when a string or
any other surface vibrates at 440 hertz producing a pitch that has become the
standard for concert tuning. For the beginner, tuning a string instrument is
tricky at first, so it is recommended that you have your teacher or an
experienced musician tune your instrument until you learn how to tune your
instrument. The use of an electronic tuner is very desirable means for insuring
your instrument is tuned to A=440.
Q: How exactly does the Play in Pitch program work?
A: The Play in Pitch program is really very simple and very
effective. The manual and CD contains 4 major scales with a total time of 10
minutes per scale. For example, the first major scale in the violin program is
D Major. Track 1 is the notes D, then E, then D, then E, etc. As the music on
track 1 is played the student will play an open D, then 1st finger
E, then back to open D, then 1st finger E, etc. The goal of the
student will be to match the E note of their violin to the E note on the CD
(this is assuming the instrument is in tune with concert pitch A=440hz). The
same is then done for track 2 with the notes D, E and F#. Track 3 has the notes
D, E, F#, and G. Track 4 has the notes A and B. Track 5 has the notes A, B, and
C#. Track 6 has the notes A, B, C#, and D. Track 7 is the complete D Major
scale and track 8 is an effective ear training exercise using various intervals
and arpeggios. The music itself is easy for most beginners however the purpose
of the program is to train the student to recognize when they are in tune, playing
in pitch, with the music on the CD,
