Perform music with accuracyMelodic accuracy/intonation

Singers, string players and wind players have to pay particular attention to intonation.

Good posture when playing can help. For example, singers should stand with their feet shoulder width apart, in a relaxed, upright position with their shoulders back. This helps to produce a stronger sound and avoids the singer becoming tired through standing with bad posture.

Consideration should also be given to playing/singing at the correct pitch.

Singers should find the correct starting note before singing to ensure they are at the correct pitch. Playing the starting note on an instrument is a helpful way to achieve this. There are also apps available that are extremely useful for finding the pitch for instruments like keyboard and guitar.

There are signs and symbols to look out for that indicate a change of pitch. The following music shows the symbols for moving the pitch up or down an octave.

Key signature

Check the key signature before you start and look out for any accidentals.

The key signature shows the key in which the music has been written. They are found at the beginning of the music, next to the clef.

Accidentals are sharps, flats and natural signs which are not in the key signature.

By following the key signature, the music will make much more sense and sound better.

The four most common key signatures you will come across are:

Additional notes are sometimes added to the melody for decoration. A good example of this can be seen with grace notes and trills.

If they are added to your music, you should check with your teacher who will be able to advise on how you play these additional notes correctly.

There may be opportunity for you to add your own decorative notes, eg it is stylistically appropriate to decorate the melody of traditional folk music by adding your own grace notes.

Listen to these two versions of 'Auld Lang Syne'. In the second version grace notes have been added, even though they are not written as part of the piece.