Musical Changes in Tempi
Tempi can be altered just as dynamics in order to be more musical. Many times we play a solo as if we were playing a march. We start at this tempo and we will stick to it to the end, regardless of what anyone thinks. When I speak of improving musicianship through the speed of a performance I am not concerned with the beginning tempo and the major changes at new sections. What I will be addressing in this post are the subtle tempo changes within a phrase and in some cases between adjoining notes. These are the subtle stretching and shrinking done by the true artists to make that little difference between the average and the musical.
What is the difference between stretching and slowing down and shrinking and speeding up?
This comparison will be similar to the understanding of dynamics as apposed to intensity. Subtle changes in the speed within each phrase will add excitement to your performance and knowing when and how much will be discussed below.
Tempo indications- what are they there for?
Just as speed limit signs line our streets and highways to let us know what a safe speed would be for that pavement, so will the tempo indications on your music indicate how fast you would be expected to perform this number. The speed limit sign is there to instruct but sometimes the immediate conditions will dictate a different speed to drive. We live in Branson and when ice forms on the pavement, the speed limit sign means nothing. Driving on ice in hilly, curvy Branson is more than a challenge for even the best driver. My point is this, speed limit signs are general indications of speed and tempo indications are general indications of tempo but in both cases, conditions will dictate performance issues. To perform in a musical fashion, the artist must adjust to his/her musical style to the conditions of the phrase and composition.
Download this exercise Playing Musically Part 2 Tempi
Understanding this posts exercise sheet.
As in the previous post, I have included an exercise sheet intended to help you understand the concept of stretching and slowing within a phrase. Also as stated in the earlier material, we will be making changes so slight that you may not feel the difference at first. With time and practice, these concepts will become obvious to you and when you are listening to a great musical performer, you will recognize these practices and be able to understand them even further.
Download Exercise sheet Musical Tempi Changes
Notice that the 0 indicates a constant tempo, the + indicates a very slight increase in tempo and the – indicates a very slight decrease in tempo. When consecutive +s are indicated, each is slightly slower than the one before. Also notice in measure five, I have added an eighth rest before the eventual high note in this phrase. The reason for this rest is for impact. When performing this vocal solo, the listener is singing along to themselves and when you go for the high G in the phrase, the slightest hesitation will bring them out of their seats for that slight hesitation grabs their attention and when you finally come in on the peak of the phrase, the impact is very powerful and musical.
Suggestions on how to use your exercise sheet.
- As you progress from one note to the next, feel the change but don’t force the change.
- Play through this exercise sheet once each day for a week and each day continue to think the change in speed and slowly begin to lessen the amount of change. Strive to make your tempi change less obvious to your listener while at the same time keeping it obvious to yourself.
The next post will cover Preparation, Achievement and Completion of your phrases in order to improve your musical playing ability.
