You Don't Need a Perfect Pitch (Interval Cheat Sheet)
It is hard to believe that this strange year of 2020 is almost over. I'm sincerely hoping that 2021 will be a better year for all of us, especially for the performing arts world.
Today, I'm sharing my "Interval Cheat Sheet" 🥳 (You can download the PDF via the link)
A video explaining “How to Tune Timpani” is also up on Youtube!
I have a confession. I always envied my colleagues with perfect pitch a little. “It must be so convenient to have as a musician”, I thought. Turns out, I never really needed it to work as a professional because I developed a good relative pitch. 👂In reality, the only time a percussionist could benefit from having a perfect pitch is when we tune timpani, or when we have to find pitched flower pots in Home Depot! (I was a weird customer with mallets and tuner hitting their products. #lifeofapercussionist 🤷🏻♀️)
After I made the timpani tuning challenge last week, I thought of making this Interval Cheat Sheet. To get better at tuning timpani, we need to be able to sing all of the intervals accurately and quickly. I also wanted more people who are insecure about their ability to sing or play in tune to feel confident about having good ears.
This resource can be used to:
Learn how to find all the intervals from minor 2nd to an octave going up and down using familiar songs
Teach intervals to students who are new to the concept of intervals
Get better at tuning timpani quickly by memorizing these interval songs
I would also love for you to share your New Year's "musical" resolution. It is my goal to create resources and challenges to help you achieve your goal.
Lastly, I'd like to share a dose of inspiration with you! ⭐️
“All musicians practice ear training constantly, whether or not they are cognizant of it. If, when listening to a piece of music, a musician is envisioning how to play it or is trying to play along, that musician is using his or her “ear” - the understanding and recognition of musical elements - for guidance.” – Steve Vai, American guitarist & composer
I hope you and your family have a safe and wonderful holiday season 🥳
Happy (holiday) Practicing!
Chihiro 🥁
Positive Percussionist