What makes a good performance?
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify key characteristics that make a performance accurate, fluent, and expressive.
Key learning points
- Good performances balance accuracy, fluency, and expression.
- Pitch and rhythm precision build confidence in a performer.
- Dynamics, tempo and phrasing shape musical character of the piece.
- Self‑assessment and peer discussion help identify strengths and targets to inform our practice.
Keywords
Accuracy - playing the correct notes and rhythms
Fluency - playing smoothly without stopping
Expression - adding feeling and emotion to music
Intonation - how accurately pitches are played or sung in tune
Common misconception
A good performance just means playing all the right notes.
Accuracy is important, but expression, fluency, dynamics and phrasing also make a performance musical and engaging.
Teacher tip
Encourage the pupils to work in pairs to listen to each other, and identify aspects of their performances to improve.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to their instruments.
Licence
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