Performing Music - Topics for Discussion

Performing Music - Topics for Discussion

1.    How do context and the manner in which a musical work is presented influence the audience response?
2.    How do musicians improve the quality of their performance?
3.    How do performers interpret musical works?
4.    How do performers select repertoire?
5. How does making and refining musical instruments respond to the needs of composers and performers?
6. How does the evolution of the guitar, piano, or any instrument relate to the evolution of the performer? In what ways do you think instruments will change in the future?
7. How does the quality of the craftsmanship relate to the quality of the sound the instrument produces?
8.   How does understanding the structure and context of musical works inform performance?
9. The human voice is an instrument. What advantages and disadvantages does the human voice have over other instruments? How has the human vocal performance changed over time?
10. The size of the orchestra has continued to expand since the Industrial Revolution, as more instruments have been added to the mix to attract and entertain a larger listening audience. How do you see the orchestra evolving in the future?
11. What are the five categories of instruments? What are two examples from each category?
12. What was the last musical performance you attended? What was the experience like? What style of music was performed? What was the setting?
13. When is a performance judged ready to present?
14. Why does the sound of one violin differ from the sound of another violin? Why do you think many individuals are willing to pay a large sum of money to purchase a handcrafted instrument?