We were talking about this a lot in Master Class this week. Here are some of my thoughts on :
____________________ Creating Long Lines___________________
The journey of a thousand miles, begins with one step. ~ Lao Tzu
Where are you and the music taking us on this musical journey?
1. Intention = Know where you are going!
2. Breath = Flow. Using your Breath is the most important factor in creating a long musical, line. To create more flow between 2 notes, make a small crescendo as you move between them.
3. Dynamics = Create a gradual growth and fading. Make a colorful and shapely dynamic design. Use numbers for guiding your dynamics. 1 = softest dynamic. The higher the number the greater the dynamic volume.
4. Rhythm = The steady heartbeat of a musical line, with organic rhythmic movement, creates a flowing line. No sudden changes of tempo and no rhythmic bumps in the note groupings.
5. Vibrato = As Mr. Kincaid said, “vibrato can be a direction indicator.” Listen to your vibrato and use it to give direction, color and movement to your musical line. Direction by varying the speed and width. Color by adding a shimmer of vibrato to special notes in the phrase.
6. Smooth Finger Movement = Check to see that your fingers are moving as a mirror to your musical line. Finger movement is: lyrical, legato, gliding, graceful, smooth, silky...
7. Balanced Body = Supported Sound = ease of breathing and body and long musical lines.
