Solo woodwind performance
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse a solo clarinet performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement and I can improve the technical control of my own performance.
Key learning points
- Good technical control is crucial for effective performance.
- This encompasses intonation, tone quality, projection and other technical aspects.
- Building exercises focused on improving technique into practice routines will quickly improve technical control.
- We analysed a very high standard performance with excellent technical control, accuracy and an engaging interpretation.
Keywords
Tone - the specific timbre of a sound, not to be confused with the interval also called a tone
Intonation - the tuning of notes; if a performer has good intonation it means that the notes are not out-of-tune
Phrasing - how a performer gives shape to sections of the melody through subtle use of dynamics, tone and articulation
Common misconception
Phrasing is just how the notes are grouped together on the sheet music.
Professional musicians create expressive phrasing with subtle changes in dynamics, tone and articulation to give shape to phrases. Compare it to speaking - you naturally add expression to speech by subtly changing volume and tone during a sentence.
Teacher tip
The strategies that pupils use in their practice to develop technique will vary greatly based on the instrument and their current standard of performance. Where possible, guide them towards specific resources, exercises or strategies that will help them to develop their chosen aspect of technique.
Files needed for this lesson
Performance exemplar - clarinet (audio) 4.2 MB (MP3)
Performance exemplar - clarinet (score) 73 KB (PDF)
Performance exemplar - clarinet (clarinet part) 45 KB (PDF)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
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