5 LEVELS OF EFFECTIVE PREPARATION

Many musicians focus only on notes and rhythms when they practice and prepare parts while the most successful musicians are able to master all five of the following Levels of Part Preparation:

  1.  All notes and rhythms are played correctly at the right tempo
  2. All notes are played using good intonation and with characteristic tone quality
  3. All dynamics, articulations, and releases are played correctly 
  4. All phrases are played with correct shape, tension & release, style, breathing pattern
  5. All transitions are played confidently and correctly