Johnson,+John

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One aspect of my personal performance I plan to improve is the precision and accuracy of my dynamics when I play music. I want to be more confident with louder dynamic markings and make a more obvious contrast between different markings. I want to accent forte piano, sforzando, and other piano markings with more strength and accuracy. I can achieve these goals by practicing at home and by paying more attention to details such as dynamic markings. Instead of just playing through the charts and fixing major rhythms and notes when I practice, I will also focus on the accents and markings in the music. One way that I can accomplish this is by reading through my music before I practice and focusing specifically on the dynamic markings.

Another aspect of my musical performance that I can improve upon is my posture and stamina. I want to keep my instrument up at all times. Often, especially in jazz band, I realize that my trombone is pointed toward the ground or my feet are crossed when I’m standing. Posture is very important because you get better air support when your back is straight. Good posture also makes a performer appear more professional. I can achieve this goal by being more aware of my posture and working to correct it when necessary. I am going to put a sticky note on my stand at home that says “POSTURE!!” to remind me of this every time I practice.

One other aspect of my performance that I can improve upon is the projection of my sound when I am playing. Projection is very important for a musician because it gives a direction to the sound and it makes the music more easily heard by the audience. For example, in jazz band, when playing a solo, projection of sound allows notes to be more noticeable and precise. I can achieve this goal throughout the duration of the school year by focusing on where I want my sound to go and by attempting to project it in this direction. This is difficult to measure but one way I could do this is by asking friends who understand music to listen to how I sound now and at various intervals throughout the year.

Excellent goals!! Keep up the great work!!

Great essay!! Music is a very powerful part of our lives!!

Essay: How Music Has Shaped My Life Music has shaped my life in a many ways since I was first introduced to playing the trombone in the fifth grade. It has provided me with a broad range of knowledge and positive experiences while giving me the opportunity to create new friendships. Music has also given me the ability to express myself in a unique and powerful way. Whether listening, playing, or learning new skills, music has been an extremely powerful influence on my life.

Music has also taught me many important lessons that are applicable to daily life even outside of music. Practicing music at home has taught me patience and dedication. Also, it has shown me that taking time to learn something right ultimately is the most efficient way of understanding. Moreover, I have learned from events such as regional and jazz festivals that the best way to gain more exposure and experience is by trying it. Events like these give me an idea of who is at my level outside of my own school and where I stand compared to these musicians.

Moreover, I have learned just how powerful and dynamic music is capable of being. When I was younger, I had the rudimentary understanding that most people do regarding music; musicians play songs that people can dance to and that can be found in concerts, weddings and other events. The more I played, listened, and learned about the subject, the more I began to understand what music really is and the deeper meanings associated with it. The more I experienced music and the more personal it became to me, the more music has influenced my life.

Music is an incredibly influential and important aspect of my life. Music has given me lessons, friendships, and experiences that are lasting and rewarding gifts which I have great pride and appreciation for. Music has shaped my life in a myriad of positive ways since I was first introduced to it in the fifth grade.