Basic Musicianship Skills

Tone

Intonation

Technique

Rhythm

Interpretation

InterpretationSix Subheadings

DynamicsBalanceTempoStyle

Phrasing

Nuance

DynamicsThe control of volume – How loud or soft to play

Fortissimo ( ff ) very loud Forte ( f ) loud

Mezzo forte ( mf ) medium loud

Mezzo piano ( mp ) medium soft

Piano ( p ) soft

Pianissimo ( pp ) very soft

The Elements of Music

Melody

Harmony

Rhythmic Accompaniment

BalanceThe proper mixture of the elements of music

• The melody must always be heard.

• Playing the written dynamics does not guarantee good balance.

• Key: Listen, Listen, Listen!!

Phrasing• A phrase is a musical sentence.

• The most important note in a phrase is the last note. Play it full value and taper it off.

• A phrase should be played from beginning to end without interruption.

• Bar lines are not breath marks.

NuanceUnwritten, subtle change that adds interest

• As the musical line moves upward, increase the volume.

• As the musical line moves downward, decrease the volume.

• Watch for the climax note of a phrase to which there might be a drive rhythmically, harmonically, or especially dynamically.

More Nuances

• Play notes with accidentals louder.

• Crescendo through long notes.

• In a 6/8 march, the quarter notes and eighth notes are all played short. The quarter notes are just a little louder than the eighth notes.