Tuned In - Flute: Flute Method Book

Tuned In cuts straight to the intonation problems that plague developing bands without requiring you to source expensive tuning technology or drone apps. The pairing of extensive key studies with actual performance material (30+ chorales) means students work on intonation through real music, not abstract exercises. Free downloadable drones in every key make this immediately deployable at any budget level.

Straightforward and practical. The book moves methodically through keys without filler, and the chorales sit well enough that students experience success while still stretching their ears. There's no performance anxiety here; this is honest work on a fundamental skill.

Concert bands at the middle school and early high school level where intonation issues are holding back musical growth. Any director looking for systematic, repertoire-based work on pitch matching without adding cost or complexity to their program.

• Start with the drone for the key you're studying. Have students listen for at least 30 seconds before playing to internalize the pitch center.
• Use the chorales as ensemble warm-ups. Assigning different students to different voice parts builds ears across the band, not just within sections.
• Rotate which students lead the chorale. A fourth flute playing melody develops confidence and accountability for intonation.
• Record short chorale excerpts on your phone. Playing back a 10-second phrase immediately shows students whether they matched the drone.

Integrate one chorale per week as your opening warm-up, rotating through different keys across the semester. The studies work well as a two-week unit before a concert to sharpen overall ensemble pitch. Many directors find this especially valuable in the fall, when developing players are still building listening skills.

• Listening for and matching pitch in all major and minor keys
• Harmonic awareness through block chord study
• Intonation adjustment in ensemble context
• Reading and responding to drone-based feedback
• Understanding the relationship between tonal center and pitch placement