FREE WEBINAR!
NOT TUNED AT THE FACTORY:
An Introduction to TuningTrainer.net
A Powerful Tool For Better Intonation
Steve Smith
Mon., October 19th, 2026
7:30 pm (CT)
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Two tuningtrainer.net School Subscriptions
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CLINIC SYNOPSIS:
Steve Smith's Not Tuned At The Factory presentation at The Midwest Clinic and various MEAs was met with great appreciation by band directors across the country. This is an updated version of that presentation as well as an introduction to TuningTrainer.net, a powerful new tool that can greatly help teachers and students achieve better intonation.
Intonation is a topic that every musician and ensemble must address. There are many approaches and techniques, but how do you know what works best for your ensemble? This clinic will discuss many practical techniques and strategies for intonation at an individual and ensemble level. From beginning instrument fundamentals to advanced intonation plans, attendees will leave with new strategies and concepts to immediately apply in their ensembles and classrooms.
WEBINAR TOPICS COVERED
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PRACTICAL EAR-TRAINING TECHNIQUES
Ear Training and developing listening skills are essential for developing proper intonation. But how do you effectively ensure every kid has this important skill?
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EFFECTIVE INTONATION EXERCISES
Proper playing technique is important. How do we create engaging routines so we can leverage those important fundamentals to fix most tuning problems before they start?
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PITCH TENDENCY SOLUTIONS
Each instrument in the band has different pitch tendencies, and each individual instrument has unique variations on those tendencies. How can we be certain that each kid understands their instrument?
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STUDENTS OWNING THEIR INTONATION
This is the goal, isn’t it? Creating an environment where the students… the MUSICIANS take ownership over their intonation and make corrections on their own.
Steve Smith
MUSIC EDUCATOR • WEBSITE CREATOR
Steve Smith is a long-time music educator whose teaching career has allowed him to work with some of the finest teachers and amazing student musicians. As a band director, he and his colleagues consistently displayed a high standard for musical excellence, highlighted by a performance at the 2005 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago by the Downing Middle School Symphonic Band.
In 2012, Steve joined the team at Hal Leonard, which allowed him to pursue one of his great passions – working with and helping teachers. At Hal Leonard, he managed the Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) website, the companion to the world’s most popular band and strings educational method book, Essential Elements, used by millions of students every year.
Since 2003, Steve has worked with SASI, the premier student leadership organization in the United States, where he is the lead curriculum developer. SASI has an incredible team of teachers who lead over 150 drum major and student leadership seminars for thousands of high school band students across the nation each summer.
Mr. Smith was also involved in the drum and bugle corps activity for over twelve years. After performing with and teaching the Madison Scouts, Mr. Smith worked as brass caption head and staff coordinator for the Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps from Lexington, Kentucky, and was a brass instructor for the Santa Clara Vanguard from Santa Clara, California.
Mr. Smith is an active clinician whose passion for helping teachers has allowed him to work with and speak to teachers across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Steve currently lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his wife, Jenny, their son, Seoul, and their lovable old Corgi, Owen.
Steve Smith
MUSIC EDUCATOR • WEBSITE CREATOR
Steve Smith is a long-time music educator whose teaching career has allowed him to work with some of the finest teachers and amazing student musicians. As a band director, he and his colleagues consistently displayed a high standard for musical excellence, highlighted by a performance at the 2005 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago by the Downing Middle School Symphonic Band.
In 2012, Steve joined the team at Hal Leonard, which allowed him to pursue one of his great passions – working with and helping teachers. At Hal Leonard, he managed the Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) website, the companion to the world’s most popular band and strings educational method book, Essential Elements, used by millions of students every year.
Since 2003, Steve has worked with SASI, the premier student leadership organization in the United States, where he is the lead curriculum developer. SASI has an incredible team of teachers who lead over 150 drum major and student leadership seminars for thousands of high school band students across the nation each summer.
Mr. Smith was also involved in the drum and bugle corps activity for over twelve years. After performing with and teaching the Madison Scouts, Mr. Smith worked as brass caption head and staff coordinator for the Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps from Lexington, Kentucky, and was a brass instructor for the Santa Clara Vanguard from Santa Clara, California.
Mr. Smith is an active clinician whose passion for helping teachers has allowed him to work with and speak to teachers across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Steve currently lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his wife, Jenny, their son, Seoul, and their lovable old Corgi, Owen.
ENGAGING PRACTICE • CONSTANT PROGRESS
Tuning Trainer is not only a path to better intonation for students, but also an engaging site that encourages meaningful practice and individual improvement. Many helpful practice tips, lessons, and exercises will guide musicians to a better and more enjoyable playing experience.