To play the timpani, you need to be good at matching pitches for the following reasons:
1. To tune the timpani, you need to find a pitch and match it!
2. Often you will be required to change pitches on the timpani while the rest of the band is playing!
3. The timpani will often play important bass parts that need to be in tune with the band
The following exercises will help you fine tune your ear:
1. Sing or hum when the rest of the band is doing tuning exercises and try to match the pitch they are tuning to with your voice.
2. To help you learn to match pitch better, practice singing into your tuner OR use this online tuner.
As long as you have a microphone plugged into your computer, this website will work
If you think your ears are ready for the next challenge, move on to INTERVALS!