Episode

S1E2: Make Real Music Faster with Appropriate Repertoire

When you select appropriate repertoire, you can make real music in every rehearsal.

8 common ensemble problems caused by repertoire choice and how to avoid them

  1. Low student engagement
  2. Low teacher engagement
  3. Slow rehearsal pace/progress
  4. Urgent rehearsal pace
  5. Student's can't play the music
  6. It just sounds bad!
  7. Persistent areas of weakness/lack of development
  8. Poor student retention in ensembles or music program

The 80/20 rule for choosing repertoire at the right level for your group
Selecting achievable repertoire so you can make real music faster.

Action Steps

  1. Look at your list of repertoire you have planned to program (or a past concert program). Put a '?' next to all the pieces that are in the '20' category (or are just too hard). Is it 80/20?
  2. Find one new piece that fits the '80' category for your ensemble

Share your action steps with us on Instagram! Take a photo or screen shot, tag us @conductingartistry and use hashtag #conductingartistryinaction

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Check out our videos YouTube

S2E4: Plan, Reflect Adapt - How to Make Progress in Rehearsal

How can we set ourselves up to listen better in rehearsals? What can be planned in advance, and when do we need to adapt our plans? What tools can we use to make our rehearsals more efficient? What does good feedback for players look like, and how can we deliver it in a sensitive way? We tackle all these questions and more as we explore the nitty gritty of middle rehearsals.

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S2E3: First rehearsals - trust, expectations and listening like crazy

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S2E2: From paper to performance - score study, imagination & listening like crazy

How do you effectively prepare and study a score before rehearsals? How do you create your own vision for the piece? Should you listen to recordings? What about MIDIs? How do you prepare for a world premiere where no recording exists? We tackle all the curly questions to help you boost your score preparation.

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