The Space Between the Notes

I was pointed to this link from another blog. The post emphasized the importance of leaving space in the music.

I have tried to teach my son that there are five core elements to being a skilled musician:

  1. Technique: the ability to master the mechanics of playing the instrument
  2. Tone: the ability to produce exceptional sound from the instrument
  3. Touch: the ability to impart a unique voice to the instrument and to create excitement and energy
  4. Tempo: the ability to play in time
  5. Talent: the ability to improve talent over time

The importance of leaving space in the music is arguably an element of improving musical talent. The following picture from the referenced post is an illustration:

Leave some space

However, some of the musicians that I have played with over the past 30 years in a variety of church worship teams might be wise to leave even more space between the notes. A chart like this might come in handy every once in a while:

Leave a lot of space

4 replies
  1. Ann
    Ann says:

    “The pursuit of excellence is not to be a quest for superiority, and it is not about competition or about outstripping others, which is usually done for one”™s own glory or significance or for the praise or applause of men.

    Instead, excellence means being your best. Excellence means being better tomorrow than you were yesterday. Excellence means matching your practice with your potential.”
    Richard Cleaver

    Reply
  2. Rob
    Rob says:

    I know you have heard this before, but I could not resist:

    “There’s no such things as wrong notes, there’s only the look on your face”

    You can’t make a mistake leaving space, unless of course you should be playing a note!
    🙂

    Reply

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