Pitch Center Shifts throughout the Dynamic Range

The inconsistency in the pitch center of conventional mouthpieces over the range of the instrument is aggravated when changing dynamics. When the player does not physically compensate, a crescendo on an open note in the low register causes the subjective pitch center to rise (pitch goes up) while a crescendo on an open note in the upper register will make the subjective pitch center drop (pitch goes down).

Changing both register and dynamic range produces a compound shift in pitch center, requiring complex adjustments on the player’s part in order to play in tune. With stronger players who are more able to “muscle” the instrument in tune, this phenomenon is often experienced more as a shift in timbre and resistance than as a problem with intonation. Anyone who has ever played the principal trumpet part of Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra” or any other piece of music with wide intervals that also quickly change dynamic level is intimately familiar with these problems!

Demonstration: Playing Soft to Loud

	Softly play and hold a G in the staff on any trumpet with any conventional mouthpiece, and then slowly play louder, honestly allowing the pitch to change as it feels most comfortable. If you do not adjust, the pitch will go up.
	Now softly play and hold a G on the top of the staff, and, again, gradually play louder, following the pitch. If you do not adjust, the pitch will drop. Next, try the same thing on a low C and a high C. You will notice the pitch changes even faster as you play louder.
	Finally, try a comfortable size Monette mouthpiece made for the pitch of instrument you are playing. If you play on the center of the pitch (have correct body use) and your instrument has reasonably true pitch center, the pitch will now stay the same.

Next Page >>