Solo brass performance
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse a solo brass performance and identify methods for refining and polishing my own performance.
Key learning points
- When developing a performance, it is important to focus first on key aspects.
- These include accuracy, fluency, projection, intonation, tone, expression and communication.
- To polish a performance you can then focus on more subtle aspects.
- These include stylistic and expressive features, balance and engagement of the audience.
- We analysed a strong solo performance that demonstrated high levels of accuracy, technical control and interpretation.
Keywords
Attack - the start of a sound; if a note has a clean attack it means that it starts crisply and precisely
Vibrato - a slight ‘vibrating’ effect used to add expression to notes
Balance - the relative volume of different parts or instruments; effective balance is where every part can be heard clearly
Common misconception
Performing effectively is only about the sound that you produce.
Performing effectively is also about the way that you engage the audience. This includes your movement and stage presence, as well as the way that you use expressive techniques to communicate the music effectively to the audience.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to focus their practice on the core aspects identified. In particular, accuracy, fluency, intonation and technical aspects should be addressed before focusing practice on expression and broader aspects of performance.
Files needed for this lesson
Performance exemplar - brass solo (solo part) 43.05 KB (PDF)
Performance exemplar - brass solo (full score) 79.83 KB (PDF)
Performance exemplar - brass solo 4.24 MB (MP3)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a grace note?
Q2. means play loudly.
Q3.What does intonation refer to?
Q4.Which actions best help to shape a musical phrase?
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Solo brass performance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Solo brass performance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 music lessons from the Solo performance unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.