Effects of Tonic Drone Accompaniments on the Intonation of Collegiate Wind Instrumentalists

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Effects of Tonic Drone Accompaniments on the Intonation of Collegiate Wind Instrumentalists
Language: English
Authors: Springer, D. Gregory (ORCID 0000-0001-7923-726X), Silvey, Brian A., Nápoles, Jessica (ORCID 0000-0003-1512-8587), Warnet, Victoria (ORCID 0000-0001-5515-6174)
Source: Journal of Research in Music Education. Oct 2021 69(3):343-359.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2021
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Music Education, Musical Instruments, College Students, Student Attitudes, Accuracy, Music Techniques, Preferences, Teaching Methods, Musicians
DOI: 10.1177/0022429420974389
ISSN: 0022-4294
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of tonic drone accompaniments on the intonation of collegiate wind instrumentalists. Participants (N = 68) played an excerpt of the melody "Long, Long Ago" in three conditions: a mono drone (tonic note only), dyad drone (tonic plus fifth), and a control condition (no drone). Results indicated no significant effects on intonation performance due to drone condition. However, participants' ratings of their own intonation accuracy differed significantly based on drone condition. The majority of the performances of the melody aligned more closely with equal temperament (n = 159), and fewer aligned more closely with just intonation (n = 45). Most participants believed the dyad drone (59.74%) resulted in their best intonation accuracy, followed by the mono drone (28.57%) and the control condition (11.68%). In response to open-ended questions, participants cited reasons why they preferred particular drone conditions, with the most common themes being "easier to hear and match," "multiple reference pitches," and "focused/directed listening." Given that participants expressed preferences regarding drone use in the absence of performance differences, music educators may consider the role of comfort and familiarity with these instructional tools.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2021
Accession Number: EJ1311395
Database: ERIC
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Description
Abstract:The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of tonic drone accompaniments on the intonation of collegiate wind instrumentalists. Participants (N = 68) played an excerpt of the melody "Long, Long Ago" in three conditions: a mono drone (tonic note only), dyad drone (tonic plus fifth), and a control condition (no drone). Results indicated no significant effects on intonation performance due to drone condition. However, participants' ratings of their own intonation accuracy differed significantly based on drone condition. The majority of the performances of the melody aligned more closely with equal temperament (n = 159), and fewer aligned more closely with just intonation (n = 45). Most participants believed the dyad drone (59.74%) resulted in their best intonation accuracy, followed by the mono drone (28.57%) and the control condition (11.68%). In response to open-ended questions, participants cited reasons why they preferred particular drone conditions, with the most common themes being "easier to hear and match," "multiple reference pitches," and "focused/directed listening." Given that participants expressed preferences regarding drone use in the absence of performance differences, music educators may consider the role of comfort and familiarity with these instructional tools.
ISSN:0022-4294
DOI:10.1177/0022429420974389