pitch pipe

American  

noun

1. a small flute or reed pipe producing one or more pitches when blown into, used chiefly for establishing the proper pitch in singing or in tuning a musical instrument.

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pitch pipe British  

noun

1. a small pipe, esp one having a reed like a harmonica, that sounds a note or notes of standard frequency. It is used for establishing the correct starting note for unaccompanied singing

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Etymology

Origin of pitch pipe

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

Using a piano/keyboard, pitch pipe, or some other melodic instrument, find the correct starting pitch for the range of students in your class.

From Literature

Then the woman pulls out a pitch pipe and blows a note.

From Los Angeles Times

Typically, before an a cappella group sings, a pitch pipe or piano indicates a note so that everyone begins in the same key.

From Los Angeles Times

In his coat pocket he carries a pitch pipe, and on breaks he may pull out a musical score to pore over.

From New York Times

One member blew a single note on a pitch pipe, and with that one note, the chorus launched into four-part harmony singing Christmas classics.

From Seattle Times