The Magic of the moment! How to play together with other people…

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Why does your favourite band sound so well? And how come that certain orchestras sound better than others? Skills of individual musicians, good recording studios or a good mix at the set do play a role. But it is much more important how a group play together! This is why I want to go over some important basic principles which will enhance you playing together with other people.

he beauty of music start happening sometimes really only in interplay with other musicians. Some musicians even see the experience of performing in front of an audience almost like playing together with them! Is it all magic? Here is the good news: To play together well is no magic at all. Let me explain the following principles that can be helpful in playing music together with others.

Know your musicians well

In a group of musicians every member plays their part to create the overall sound, be it a band or an orchestra, Only when all voices come together one gets the result of the overall sound impression of the ensemble. It means that you, as a member of a group, should be able to know how the overall music should sound and how the individual voices fit together. In case you play in an orchestra or band: Listen to recordings beforehand. When you play them, read your part while you listen or play your part along with it. And listen to the recording a couple of times back to back. This way you are likely to get a full picture of how the music will sound in the end. In case you are playing with a band and do not have a recording available yet: Tape the next rehearsal with your smart phone and listen back later. This way you get an idea of the overall sound of the band and how your part fits in.

Know your part in the group well

Which role does your instrument take within the sound of a group? Are you responsible for the rhythmic parts? Are you rather a accompanist? Does your role change as the piece goes on? Ask yourself these questions and be sure to now the answer. Be sure to be able to play your part well! Her are some typical roles for example: rhythm guitar player, piano accompanist, voice soloist, rhythm section (bass and drums plus of the guitar and/or keyboard). There are manyfold roles within a music group, be sure you know yours well!

Know the functions of your fellow musicians well

Once you understood your own role, it helps to also know the roles of your fellow musicians. Be aware of the particular roles your music colleagues play within your ensemble. For example, who to rely on in terms of rhythm or in others of playing harmonies. And don’t forget that the others will have to rely on you too!

Learn how to switch between playing solos and accompanying

Most basic functions in many an ensembles are soloist (for example singer) and accompanist (for example guitarist or pianist). Accompanists don’t worry: if you are an accompanist in a piece does not mean to play the second role only. The opposite is the case: You have the important function to make the soloist sound good so all of you succeed in the end in the ensemble. Listen closely to the soloists and the overall sound of your group. fit your part in in a way that supports the soloist in the best way.   

And, when you have to play a solo part: listen closely to your fellow musicians and pay attention that the others get a chance to be heard too. Ofen-times a solo-part is like a good conversation. Somebody makes a statement, then they have to listen what the others respond back. Musical interplay between soloists and accompanists resembles conversations rather than monologues.

Listen and be flexible

Pay attention to what happens musically. In case you are playing in a band, pay attention to how your colleagues play the rhythm and harmony of the piece. Join them playing your part consciously and with high concentration. Thorough and alert listening is one of the most important skills in being a musician.

Especially in styles whihh leave more room for creative playing interpretation than others which are already through-composed good listening is almost a survival skill. Some musical patterns change so you have to be available to quickly react.

Through-composed music also comes only alive though your interpretation of it. bBe highly concentrated and focused to get add to the overall sound of your group!

   

Pay attention to the blending between instrument

The term blending is used to describe how musicians blend in together to create a group sound. A rule of thumb for effective blending is that your instrument is audible without disturbing the overall sound. A practical tip: Often it helps on stage to make eye contact with your fellow musicians. You can signal: “D you hear me?” Or: “I hear you well” and best “Yes, I listen to you and I understand what you play!”

Respect the music

All mentioned above is aimed to help you improve the sound of your group. Most of the times you have to make a compromise between what you want to express and what is demanded of you from the music itself. The most important question should be: “What is best for the music?”

Respect the musicians

One can always learn something from other musicians when playing with them. This is why you should be alert and humble to be open for the learning. Take their tipps or criticism serious. Try to motivate your colleagues by striving to play better and better. Much successful musicians are often times very humble people. They understood, how good interplay in a music group works,

If you keep these things in mind the sound of your group will certainly improve! I hope that this article has given you inspiration and ideas for your own music. If you have any more questions about, our team of teachers at  mymusicschool.com is happy to answer them!

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