Taking your performance from good to excellent
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can recognise and apply the subtle qualities that turn a good performance into an excellent one.
Key learning points
- Expression adds personality and meaning to music.
- Phrasing and controlled use of tempo shape how the music flows and feels.
- Subtle contrasts in dynamics and articulation help to elevate the performance and create musical interest.
- Understanding the style and character of the piece informs how you interpret and shape your performance.
Keywords
Expression - adding feeling and emotion to music
Phrasing - shaping musical ideas
Interpretation - the performer’s personal musical choices
Style - the musical features linked to a genre or period
Common misconception
Expression just means playing louder and quieter.
Dynamics play a large part in developing an expressive performance, but expression also includes tempo, phrasing, articulation and musical interpretation.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to exaggerate dynamics and phrasing at first so expressive details become more noticeable and deliberate.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to their own instruments.
Licence
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