4a Percussion Teacher for the last 12 years here.

Everyone uses the gauges if you have them. ATSSB requires an audible reference pitch so I have my students set up our timpani right next to our marimba. Then I have them strike the note on the marimba and then use the gauge on the timpani to (which I make sure to adjust right before the auditions start) set the pitch. Then move on to the next drum(s).

Now, I do also teach my students how to listen to the pitch from the keyboard and adjust in case the temp/humidity in the room effects the drum or in case another student takes it upon themselves to mess with the gauges (yes, this has happened). I'll even test them by setting the gauges just slightly off.

I know ATSSB's reasoning is to teach students how to match pitch and all, and I know that some students are not afforded the opportunity to use gauges due to monetary constraints, but the students my students compete against at area are using gauges, so so do we. If ATSSB really wanted to have an accurate representation of how a professional tunes timpani, we would all be using tuning forks and electronic tuners. But we don't.

For you specifically, here is what I would do step by step.


1) Have student set up timpani next to their keyboard.
2) Have student strike a low G on the keyboard.
3A)With Gauge- Have the student strike the timpani and use the pedal to get the drum up to a G while looking at the gague. Be sure to still make minor adjustments based off the reference pitch.
3B)Without Gauge- Have the student strike the timpani and use the pedal to get the drum up to a G while listenining and matching pitch.
4)Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the Bb and the Eb.
5)Play all three reference pitches in a row on the keyboard.
6)Play all three reference pitches in a row on the timpani and listen for any drum that needs to be adjusted.
7)Adjust any drum that needs to be adjusted.

Be sure that the student can do all the above in 30 seconds and take time to teach them and time them.


Now for the tuning changes in the middle of the etude, you also use the gauges but should also take a bit of time to teach the students how to hear and tune minor and major seconds. Be sure they keep time during the changes. I like to have my students choreograph what they are doing into tempo. Ex) Place foot on pedal on beat 1. Adjust drum on beat 2. Finish adjusting on beat 3. Place foot on floor on beat 4.


Hope all that helps!