A Descriptive Analysis of Performance Models’ Intonation in a Recorded Excerpt from Suzuki Violin School Volume I

Abstract

Given the importance of modeling in teaching young students to perform, particularly in the Suzuki approach, as well as the importance of playing in-tune, we studied intonation performances on four recordings of Suzuki Violin School Volume I. These are performances that many string teachers recommend as models for beginning string students. We also asked whether performances conform to a theoretical tuning system such as equal temperament (ET) or Pythagorean tuning. We analyzed the first eight measures and the repeat of Minuet I (Bach) in G-major. Individual note deviations of performers ranged from -17 cents to +26 cents relative to the accompaniment, although most deviations were smaller. Overall, three performers tended to be closer to Pythagorean (which is slightly sharper than ET for most major intervals) while one was closer to ET. However, inspection of individual intervals showed that two of the performers were often sharp relative to both tuning systems, particularly for minor seconds and thirds, and major thirds. No performer consistently conformed to either tuning system across the span of notes in the excerpt.