The Details make the Style

Many times students come to us for coaching on a piece right before a competition or an audition, so our job as their coach  is to help them polish and refine the piece at hand. It's always amazing to me how much music is contained above and below the staff: these details often make the difference between a vibrant performance and one that is merely correct.  Many articulation marks are found above the staff: Staccato, Legato, Accents of all different shadings, and slurs. Developing a rich nuanced palate of articulation is essential for artistry! Articulation also yields clues into phrasing: following the composer's intentions and playing simply often clarifies phrase direction. Lots of directions are provided below the staff: Dynamics and other indications for style (words like dolce, agitato, etc.). THIS is where style lives: embedded in these words and symbols. It's our job to bring each detail to life and provide a solid musical  interpretation. The correct rhythms and notes are all found within the staff...but the style...now that is the heart of music making. Look above and below the staff for your inspiration.