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What are musicians really getting from that familiar tuning note before a concert?
It may be a slightly controversial question because the answer might not be tuning.
In this episode of Intentional Musicianship, Jeff Price looks at the traditional opening tuning note used by bands, orchestras, and other instrumental ensembles and asks what value it actually brings to the performance.
For the audience, the tuning note is part of the culture of the concert. It signals that the musicians are ready, the room is settling, and the performance is about to begin.
For the musicians, it can serve as a psychological release valve. It gives everyone one last opportunity to play the instrument, feel that everything is working, hear the ensemble around them, and mentally lock in before the first downbeat.
But does that one pitch actually tune the ensemble?
Jeff shares a memory of his friend and fellow Army musician Chris Schweigert, along with a recent concert experience that raised the same question. By the time musicians reach the stage, the real preparation should already be complete. They should know their instruments, understand the pitch environment around them, and be ready to listen and adjust throughout the performance.
The episode also offers a reminder for educators. Part of the training process is helping musicians learn how to prepare themselves so that when performance time arrives, they can trust the work they have already done.
Three questions can help musicians examine any preconcert routine:
- Why do I do this?
- What value does it add to my performance or to the audience's experience?
- What would happen if I did not do it?
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Welcome to Intentional Musicianship!
The Intentional Musicianship podcast, hosted by Jeff Price, is designed for musicians who aim to elevate their performance on multiple levels. This isn't your average "how to play better" show. We go beyond technique to focus on improving your stage presence, musical storytelling, audience communication, and breaking genre norms to form a deeper connection with your audience. Whether you're an amateur, a seasoned professional, or a music educator, our goal is to help you achieve a greater return on your performance investment. This could range from building a more committed fanbase to increasing merchandise sales. We utilize an adult learning model, so we assume you already have a foundation in performance and aim to refine and innovate on your existing skills. The ultimate goal? To create unforgettable experiences that not only entertain but engage your audience on a deeper level. The call to action is to foster community, encourage engagement, and provide actionable insights, all of which can be further explored at intentionalmusicianship.com.
