Phrasing

This topic is applicable to :

• wind instrumentalists
• valve instrumentalists
• vocalists
• synthesizer players who wants to simulate wind or valve instruments

People need to breathe. Musicians who play the wind and valve instruments need to pause for a few millisecs to take in air. Likewise singers too.

The time when breathing happens is very crucial. If one breathes too early, he/she might not last the last note. If one breathes too late, he/she might not be in time to play the first note.

Breathing at the wrong time would cause a vocalist to sing off-beat.

A synthesizer player who wants to naturally simulate a wind instrument e.g. flute must realise that flautists must pause a while to breathe. Therefore,  he needs to phrase his synth playing, pausing at the right moment.

Usually each phrase can be at most 3 bars ( measures ).

Thus phrasing of musical notes is very important.

Dynamics

Musical dynamics - the soft and loud playing of music - is the hardest skill for a musician to acquire.

Musicians tend to overplay and drown others.

Musical dynamics add an effect to the music. At some part of the music, softer tones are called to bring the music to some peaceful moments and at others, louder music for emphasis.

Basically, we look at the lyrics to determine where to play softly and where to play loudly.

Song parts that talk about God's wrath, retribution , majesty , power etc can be played loudly.

But it is illogical ( or even sacrilege ) to play a piece of music loudly and brashly if it is a song about the love or peace or grace of God.

It is unfortunate that lots of young excited musicians think that music must always be loud. Perhaps they have not yet experienced romantic love, thus are unable to play music in a loving way !