The Hidden Layer of Music

Many musicians confidently proclaim that they have mastered the world of music once they have learned to read all the notes on the staff and their correlative keys on the keyboard. They think, “What else is there to learn when I play a piece of music? All the notes are written right there for me to play.”

And you are correct...IF you limit playing music to simply playing notes. If notes are all you play, then you have assumed correctly that you have arrived and that there is nothing left to learn.

BUT, if you pay close attention and know that music is much more than simply notes on paper, then you are aware that there is actually a great deal of interpretation that goes into playing an arrangement.

Interpretation is an understanding of the mood and message of music, and playing with appropriate nuance. If you can play with great feeling all the right notes, then you are doing exceptionally well. But unfortunately, many church musicians either play with great feeling all the wrong notes, or play with no feeling all the right notes. Neither of these are ideal. So here are some tips to help you be expressive in your playing and interpret an arrangement appropriately.

First, be quite confident in your ability to play all the notes quickly and accurately. This comes with careful practice. Knowing the key, timing, chords, and structure of the arrangement will help you immensely in this area.

Then, carefully examine the actual music of the song. Determine where there are moments of serenity. Find the exciting portions that build tension and drama. Locate the placement of chord resolutions. Keep all of these observations in mind as we proceed to the final step of expression.

Finally, play the song with these emotional segments in mind. Feel these emotions as intensely as you can, and allow that expression to flow from your imagination to the sound through your fingers. Don’t be afraid to suddenly play quietly, or to expand explosively during a moment of triumph. Slight changes in tempo are also appropriate at times.

To get a good idea of how your expression is being portrayed in your performance, record yourself as you practice. Once you have finished, listen to the recording and see if your imagination can follow the emotion of the music. Does it speak to your heart? If all you hear are notes with no emotion, then go back and over-exaggerate your expression.

Sometimes, it does help to be truly ridiculous in your interpretation. Whether it is instantly switching from playing fff to ppp, or playing incredibly slowly and then rapidly speeding up, this method of exaggeration is quite effective in helping your mind free up to be expressive.

Once you feel that you have arrived at a good sound, be sure that you can sing the words of the song in your mind as you play. The words are the true meaning of all music in the church. We are to glorify God. So be sure that you can focus on the words and not just the technical performance.

Sing as you play. Glorify God with your emotions, mind, and body. Ask for His help and guidance as you endeavor to serve Him in music. You will not be disappointed in the results.