Review and Reflect on the Use of Musical Elements and Techniques

Review and Reflect on the Use of Musical Elements and Techniques

Reviewing Musical Elements in Ensemble Performance

  • Active listening comes into play for reviewing musical elements. By actively listening, performers can discern and evaluate musical elements such as rhythm, melody, harmony, dynamics and tone.
  • Understanding and assessing harmony enables the team to decide if the musical notes and chords are complementing each other.
  • Evaluating rhythm and tempo will help determine if the music flows well and adheres to the originally intended speed and beat.
  • Analysing the use of dynamics helps identify how loud or quiet the music is and whether this suits the mood of the piece.
  • Melody becomes the core of any musical piece, so noticing if it is interesting, catchy, and works well with the harmony is important.
  • Inspecting the tonal quality is vital to ensuring that the sound produced is pleasant to the listener’s ears.

Reflecting on Musical Techniques in Ensemble Performance

  • Interpretation of the musical piece is paramount when reflecting on musical techniques. This refers to how the ensemble understands and delivers the music piece.
  • The individual performance of each member can significantly impact the overall performance. This needs review and reflection to identify areas of improvement.
  • Reflection on the ensemble’s collective performance is crucial to gauge how well they perform together as a unit.
  • Considering the audience’s reaction and feedback on the performance can lead to valuable insights into the music’s effectiveness.
  • Regular self-evaluation and team critiques can greatly impact the improvement of technique.

Reflection as a Tool for Improvement

  • Constructive criticism from team members, mentors and audience members can be used as a valuable tool for reflection and improvement.
  • Reflection on performance can lead to extended repertoire, as patterns, strengths, and weaknesses become clearer.
  • Comparing performances over time can show growth and areas that still need attention.
  • Individual reflection should also stretch to analyse how well the performer interacts with the ensemble as a whole.
  • Reflection not only pertains to music performance but should also include an analysis of professional conduct, such as punctuality, commitment, and attitude during rehearsals and performance.