Ensemble Intonation

Intonation is a skill that can be practiced at home but the real 'test drive' of course happens when you are playing with others. Using a tuner in the practice room gives you a basic idea of what your tendencies are: it helps to keep a chart for each note in each octave, noting your personal tendencies, and any alternate fingerings that should be used regularly. For example, most of us take the D# key off for E in the third octave to bring the pitch down at the forte level. When playing in an ensemble, these personal tendencies are the starting point! Now, you need to take into account where your note sits in a chord, for example (root position vs. fifth of the chord) and also favor to any other instruments you happen to double. When playing with piano, it's a good idea to remember that the higher octaves are stretched a little bit for correct scale (how the piano plays in tune with itself) and voicing. Harps also tend to 'sweeten' the octaves a little bit, much like a piano does. Make sure that vibrato is not interfering with the pitch center. Blending and balancing your note in a chord will also help you fit into the general pitch scheme. Keep your ears open, and adjust  quickly if you sense you are out of tune. Playing duets with students in lessons is a helpful exercise for developing pitch sensitivity, as are scales with a drone tone.