Instrument-Tapes
Teacher Preparation
Instrument-Tapes serve as finger placement training guides.
Class time is valuable, so it is important to prepare student instruments ahead of time! In the interest of efficient time management, it wise to schedule a dedicated time to locate and place tapes on the instruments. Some suggestions are to ask students to bring their instruments to the orchestra room before school begins, or to include tape preparation night as part of an orchestra parent’s association booster meeting.
Digital tuners, along with metronomes are considered tools of the trade. Many metronomes come with an electronic tuner feature. The price of tuners and metronomes, have become quite affordable. With experience, skilled musicians can do an excellent job placing tapes properly with or without the use of electronics. In order to speed up the process, you may wish to secure assistance from professional musicians or an area luthier.
The purpose of instrument-tapes is to place a visual reference-point at the location where notes are in tune on each string. Many factors contribute to finding the exact spot on each instrument. String height above the fingerboard, due to the height of the bridge, neck angle and nut groove depth, make each instrument’s similar, but unique.
Instrument-Tape Guidance
Instrument-Tapes are to be used as temporary training guides. Be certain to use materials that can be removed easily that cause no damage. Once proper finger locations are understood, tapes should be removed. Always encourage students to actively focus their attention on critical listening and pitch perfection.
Tapes designed for string instruments are available. StringQuest’s author has been successful by cutting thin strips of adhesive mailing labels to size. Automotive pin-stripe tapes work, but may slide. Students enjoy fun colorful tapes.
The initial instrument-tape set-up should be for all notes in a one octave D major scale, starting on each instrument’s open D-String.
D Major Home Instrument Tapes Finger Mechanics Finger Numbering Finger Dexterity Finger Position
Finger Intensity Hand Position Principles Hand Position Rhymes Space at the Base Swell the Well Swing the Wing
Hand Position Set-Up Violin Notes on D Viola Notes on D Cello Notes on D Bass Notes on D Violin Notes on A
Viola Notes on A Cello Notes on A Meet Guide Bass Notes on G D Major Training Exercises The Lower-Tetrachord
The Major Second The Major Third The Perfect Fourth The Upper-Tetrachord The Perfect Fifth The Major Sixth
The Major Seventh The Perfect Octave The Complete D Major Scale Left Thumb Logic Left Thumb Flexible Location
Knuckle Leverage D Major Etudes Arpeggio Patterns D Major Mastery Checkpoint Extending the Instrument’s Range
Finger Location Terms Violin Notes on G Viola Notes on G Cello Notes on G Bass Notes on E Bass Notes on A
Viola Notes on C Cello Notes on C Violin Notes on E Third Position Principles Violin Third Position on E
Third Position Measurement Differences D Major Harmony Interval Categories Orchestra Harmony in D Major
Preparing for Orchestra Pieces Divisi Protocol Orchestra Chord Textures Ensemble Engine Technique Building
Practice Coins Violin Technique Builder Viola Technique Builder Cello Technique Builder Bass Technique Builder
Dynamic March Theme and Variations Bowing Dynamics Dynamic March Performance Details Linked Bowing Exercise
Off-Beats Exercise Neighbor Notes Complete Dynamic March Composition Score and Parts
Finger Intensity Hand Position Principles Hand Position Rhymes Space at the Base Swell the Well Swing the Wing
Hand Position Set-Up Violin Notes on D Viola Notes on D Cello Notes on D Bass Notes on D Violin Notes on A
Viola Notes on A Cello Notes on A Meet Guide Bass Notes on G D Major Training Exercises The Lower-Tetrachord
The Major Second The Major Third The Perfect Fourth The Upper-Tetrachord The Perfect Fifth The Major Sixth
The Major Seventh The Perfect Octave The Complete D Major Scale Left Thumb Logic Left Thumb Flexible Location
Knuckle Leverage D Major Etudes Arpeggio Patterns D Major Mastery Checkpoint Extending the Instrument’s Range
Finger Location Terms Violin Notes on G Viola Notes on G Cello Notes on G Bass Notes on E Bass Notes on A
Viola Notes on C Cello Notes on C Violin Notes on E Third Position Principles Violin Third Position on E
Third Position Measurement Differences D Major Harmony Interval Categories Orchestra Harmony in D Major
Preparing for Orchestra Pieces Divisi Protocol Orchestra Chord Textures Ensemble Engine Technique Building
Practice Coins Violin Technique Builder Viola Technique Builder Cello Technique Builder Bass Technique Builder
Dynamic March Theme and Variations Bowing Dynamics Dynamic March Performance Details Linked Bowing Exercise
Off-Beats Exercise Neighbor Notes Complete Dynamic March Composition Score and Parts