Performing, even if it\u2019s only for one or two people, can be a funny thing.<\/p>\n

We may experience all sorts of feelings, such as:<\/p>\n

\n
• Generosity<\/li>\n
• Insecurity<\/li>\n
• Exasperation<\/li>\n
• Pride<\/li>\n
• Confusion<\/li>\n
• Humility<\/li>\n
• Anxiety<\/li>\n
• Excitement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  In this article, we\u2019ll explore what you need to be getting across with your music, and how to set yourself up to succeed by nailing the first 4 seconds of the piece.<\/p>\n

  But first, a bit of esoteric talk about feelings!<\/p>\n

  What\u2019s the Big Idea?<\/h2>\n

  Every tune you\u2019ll likely play (or, most tunes under 10 minutes or so) have one main, white-hot emotional core.<\/p>\n

  They may also have the \u201cother side of the coin\u201d, by way of a contrasting middle section. But even that should be cut from the same cloth.<\/p>\n

  In other words, in short (<10 minutes or so) pieces of music, you don\u2019t need to musically express every emotion in the book. Your communication and presentation will be better if you simply discover the one, main point and make all your musical decisions (dynamics, articulations, rubato, etc.) to support it.<\/p>\n