Tone

Why is Tone Important for Students? 1. Intonation - the most basic but still very important. Good tone is produced only once a student achieves proper intonation. Stringed instruments are the best example of this. As a cello is tuned which ever "A" is given (ranging from 438-442, or more) when a pitch is played "Intune" the instrument will resonate deeper and longer. 2. Musicality -Having good intonation, therefor helping with your overall tone will make the instrument "sound better" or more pleasing. This is critical to newer students, after all why on earth would they want to play an instrument that sounds terrible. Good tone allows students to feel comfortable with their instrument and play out and take musical liberties and experiments with techniques and dynamics/articulations. 3. Communication -Tone is so specific its as just about as individual as the individual themselves. One small thing can change and that will change the whole timbre of the tone. In an abstract way you can relate it to communication. Yes, it may not be verbal communication, but Auditory and Visual communication. With stringed instruments even where in the bow someone is playing can effect the sound being made. Student's need to observe others to match bowing, fingerings, etcetera, in order to have the same tone.