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Concert Pitch – Definition
Concert pitch is the standardized reference pitch used to tune musical instruments so they can perform together at the same pitch. The international standard is A4 = 440 Hz.
What is Concert Pitch?
Concert pitch provides a common tuning reference for musicians and instrument makers around the world. Although different pitch standards have been used throughout history, A4 = 440 Hz is now the internationally accepted reference for most modern performances and recordings.
Some orchestras and ensembles use slightly different reference pitches, such as A4 = 442 Hz or A4 = 443 Hz, to achieve a particular tonal character or to follow local performance traditions.
How is Concert Pitch used in piano playing?
Acoustic pianos are normally tuned to concert pitch by a piano technician, while most digital pianos and keyboards are set to A4 = 440 Hz by default. Many digital instruments also allow the reference pitch to be adjusted when performing with ensembles using a different tuning standard.
Understanding concert pitch helps pianists perform accurately with other musicians and recognize when an instrument or recording has been tuned to an alternative reference pitch.