1. Basic Musicianship Skills Tone Intonation Technique Rhythm Interpretation

2. Six Subheadings Dynamics Balance Tempo Style Phrasing Nuance

3. Dynamics The 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

4. The Elements of Music Melody Harmony Rhythmic Accompaniment

5. Balance The 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!!

6. 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.

7. Nuance Unwritten, 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.

8. 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.