How musical performance is made?
Here I show a big picture of what I believe in with regard to how great musicians make their performance musical in these days/ in the past, based on my personal experiences as a performer and a student taught by great teachers and musicians.
Interpretation includes (1) subjective ideas in terms of the composer’s intention (2) objectivization of subjective ideas: verification process for consistency and integrity of the ideas (3) exteriorization by eye: minor (and occasionally major) modification of the original text (4) exteriorization by ear: decision of suitable phrasing, expression and tone for each phrase and note.
How imitation works with Suzuki pedagogy?
Needless to say, Suzuki Method pedagogy consists of concept of imitation by using designated performances provided by CD recordings and live performances by teachers at private/group lessons. This is one of the most important and effective steps for students when it works properly. In my understanding, the goal of ”imitation by ear" in Suzuki pedagogy is to learn both internal process (why and what to express: invisible secrets for musical expression, like magician's trick) and external process (how to express) toward musical performances as consequence of these processes. Pragmatic approach of imitation, by which mimicking only superficial / visible elements, should be avoided. Pragmatic imitation would end up being just a copy of a model performer. In my opinion, suitable performances for this purpose should have consistent interpretation throughout the pieces students are supposed to learn, and also have consistent relevance between those interpretation and the performer’s tone technique. During going through the process of imitation, each element in the above diagram is not clearly recognized or even hidden. Although students themselves don’t have to realize the secret of how each element works together to put each phrase into life unless they decide to be professional players, teachers are encouraged to elaborate on occasion why imitation is useful when it is done as strictly as possible.
(revised Jan 11, 2010)
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