Hi everybody!!

I've recently had a music audition. It was for a place at the Junior Department at a music conservatoire.I got some feedback from them about what i could improve on. They said that the main thing that I needed to work on now is expression. Does anybody have any tips? I am playing a Bach Prelude and a Chopin Waltz which are definitely very challenging pieces.

I would be very grateful for your hints and tips!!

ping-lee

ps: I also find sight reading very tricky! If anybody would like to give me some tips, then you are more than welcome to!!!

Hi
Being able to put expression into music is something that cannot be taught. It has to come from within.
My advice: listen to different recordings of your pieces, and listen to the differences in interpretation. This might give you ideas as to where to put the dynamics, tempo changes etc.
With regards to sight reading, which I also found tricky, you really just have to keep working.
Sight read a piece every day, and with time it should get easier as your mind can read the notes faster. Pick out scale passages, and chord shapes, so you don't even have to think about the individual notes.
Gd luck!

Hi ping-lee, to be expressive through music and or to put more feelings into your music, i think there are some good ways to doing this:
of one i agree with pianoforte, listen to professional recordings of the pieces you are learning. When you listen to them, try to close your eyes and see what images or feelings you get from each performer. Lock these images or feelings in mind, and try to express this when you play.
Next, you can take your score and follow through the recording and you may notice what the performer does on certain sections (dynamics/expression) of the piece to add mood and color to the piece.
Another good way of doing this, is to record your own playing after you feel confident with the fluency and the expressive elements you have inserted into your pieces of music. Listen to your recording, notice the differences with what you wanted to express while playing or before playing the piece vs. what you have not expressed, and then work on those parts again.
Lastly, this always always helps. Memorize the piece when you feel comfortable with all the notes. Play it from memory, and when you play the piece, start feeling the music. NOt reading the score lets your mind focus on feeling/music and on your playing, rather than your fingers placing the right keys or reading the notes.
hope all helps somewhat.

-margrave of brandenburg

Thank you both for your prompt responses! They are both very useful and I definitely shall take your advice into account. Margrave of brandenburg, I can play both pieces by memory and this is a useful skill to have. Pianoforte, I have had similar advice from other people. I shall be going to the library very soon and raiding out the Classical CD collections.

Sight reading... HELP!!

ping-lee

Hi Ping-lee,

I too find expression a problem. I think it may be down to not being familiar enough with some pieces.(with me anyway)

I have played Beethoven Moonlight and Fur Elise for the past few years as they are on my list of faves ! But it's only recently I feel I can let go with them as I know them so well now.
This too has rubbed off on a couple more pieces I'm doing currently.

It will get easier with time. Sorry I haven't got any hints for you.
But you are not alone !

Fiona

Ping-lee,

For sightreading, make sure you look at the key signature, time signature, tempo, and develop a beat to imagine how it would sound. Look at accidentals and run through difficult phrases. Also, something that really impresses judges is dynamics (and expression)