Performance Reflection

I performed Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps by Doris Day for my assessment. Check out my preparation post here.

  • Your technique – actually how you played/sung the notes
  • Execution of correct notes
  • Dynamics and Expressive Techniques used
  • Performance expression/technique – how did you perform not just play
  • Comment on your preparation
  • Recommendations for further practice and preparation
  • Specific goals you wish to achieve in relation to this piece before you perform this for your HSC.

I was both happy and disappointed with my performance. Leading up to the performance I was quite sick for at least a week, nearly losing my voice on one of the days. I had a singing lesson a few days prior but I still struggled. I sang in my chest voice the whole time which helped because I didn’t have to use extra support on top of trying to help my weak voice. My breathing was quite good, I think I knew my phrases really well and I didn’t really struggle with this as much as I have before. I know I didn’t execute the notes all correctly. Both my pitch and strength in my vibrato and in general was effected from my illness. I used accents in the chorus and I think I articulated really well throughout the song. I had a change in dynamics from the verses to the chorus. There was also staccato and some legato. I don’t really think I actually performed it that well, I really could’ve done more. I did a little impromptu dance thing but that was terrible. I definitely could’ve prepared more but it was so hard to do in the days leading up to it because I couldn’t sing. I did actually have a plan to sing more but it obviously didn’t happen so I guess the tip for next time is to not get sick. For the HSC I really want to hit those higher notes with force and strengthen my vibrato. Also not to be so totally awkward when performing.

Transposing

What do we mean by transposing music?

Transposing music means taking a score or a piece of music and changing the key that it is written in.

What is a transposing instrument?

A transposing instrument is an instrument such as a clarinet that when playing a C on the transposing instrument, will sound like a completely different note.

Why do we have transposing instruments?

Transposing instruments like the saxophone allow musicians learn certain fingering on, for example, an soprano saxophone and be able to use the same fingering on a tenor saxophone.

Is your instrument a transposing instrument?

No, the voice is not a transposing instrument.

When would you need to transpose music?

When I need to change the key of a piece to suit my voice range.

When would you play with transposing instruments?

I may possibly play with transposing instruments when playing with a band.

How do you transpose music?

To transpose a piece of music, you take the current key such as C Major and find the interval (amount of tones/semi-tones) between the next key. You then increase or decrease each chord or note to be at that interval.

This is music that I have transposed:

Last line of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star from C to E.

twinkle transposed

The first verse of Amazing Grace from D to A.

amazing grace transposed

(Apologies for the faded writing.)