Drone Studio
Violin UnlockedEP Archer · Somatic Resonance Method
Ear and intonation tool

Drone Studio

A low, steady tone on the home note of your key. Tune every note against it and your ears start to recalibrate.

Low and doubled at the octave so it sits under the violin. Use headphones or a speaker; phone speakers lose the low end.

How to practice with a drone

  1. Start the drone and sing Do. Let the sound settle in your ear before you pick up the bow.
  2. Play your scale slowly, one note per bow. Stop on each note and listen.
  3. Listen for beats. A wobbling, wavering sound means you're out of tune. A smooth, ringing sound means you're locked in.
  4. Lift and replace. If a note is off, lift the finger and place it again. Never wiggle and fix.
  5. Memorize the sound of each interval against Do. Your ear learns what "in tune" feels like.
What each note sounds like against Do
Do and SolOpen, wide, still. Easy to hear.
Do and MiSweet and warm when it's right.
Do and FaStable, a little hollow.
Do and LaBright and singing.
Do and ReRubs. A gentle tension.
Do and TiLeans hard toward Do. Tense.
© EP Archer · Violin Unlocked · Somatic Resonance Method