Cello Teacher's Friend

Posted on June 10, 2008 by Eric Steiner in Dynamics - Musicality/Phrasing

The teacher told the student to think of piano dynamics as being the same as forte, but in the next room with the door closed. The reason for this was that the student was playing the piano sections without energy, as though quiet also meant wimpy and lifeless.

I like this image because it helps the student to understand that playing quietly should not necessarily effect articulations and tone quality. The music should be equally beautiful and spirited, but from a distance.