Key learning points

1. Creating an engaging performance comes down to a number of considerations.
2. Playing stylistically is one of the most important, including using stylistic phrasing, articulation and timbre.
3. Playing expressively is an important aspect of communicating music to an audience and engaging them.
4. Good communication with other players is also crucial to creating an engaging performance.
5. This creates an effective ensemble that play in time and with good balance.

Keywords

• Stylistic - using features that are typical of the style, including phrasing, articulation, timbre and others

• Phrasing - how a performer gives shape to sections of the melody through subtle use of dynamics, tone and articulation

• Balance - the relative volume of different parts or instruments; effective balance is where every part can be heard clearly

Common misconception