The Well Tempered system for studying string instruments was named after J.S. Bach.s .Well Tempered Clavier.. In that well known work Bach divided the scale into equal units, which allowed for playing in all keys without changing the instrument.s tuning. With the twelve-tone scale (made up of equal semitones) Bach introduced the foundations for all the music of Western civilization in the Modern era.
The Well Tempered system works on all string instruments: violin, viola, cello and double bass, whether they are traditional or electric.
One reason that beginners frequently choose other instruments such as the guitar, flute or piano over bowed string instruments is that learning to .find. the right note is more daunting in the fretless string family. Though good intonation can only be learned through study and practice, it is possible to stimulate that process with .positive experiences. that provide practical understanding of good intonation. Using the Well Tempered system is like putting training wheels on a bicycle: initially they help a beginner to balance and later they are removed when that support is no longer needed to allow for greater freedom and mobility.
Many educators have received the Well Tempered system enthusiastically, however, other more conservative teachers have expressed their reservations about it. In my own teaching experiences I initially had concerns over the system and whether it was a valid learning resource or over-simplification, like teaching division with a calculator. Through the experiences of my young and amateur adult students, I came to understand that the Well Tempered system is a learning tool that helps beginners gain confidence with their instrument by allowing them to create a mental library of positive acoustic experiences that they can access later when the frets are removed.
I deeply believe that by broadening our educational approach we are planting seeds of curiosity and familiarity with the musical world. This brings people closer to music and strengthens the overall musical culture and that is why the Well Tempered System is worthwhile.
Currently I am interested in developing a method to employ the Well Tempered System in school environments as well as being interested in introducing it in countries where Western music is enjoyed but where traditional scales differ from the twelve-tone system.
During this extremely important phase of development I invite all music educators to contact me to talk further about adopting the Well Tempered System at their school or for any clarifications.
Alexander Hohenegger, info-welltempered.it |
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