Reply To: Religious Pieces

[nafmeadmin]

I think they can connect to a great piece of music regardless of the meaning. I don’t think knowing the meaning of the music is going to make them play it more musically or with more expression, unless they feel strongly about the image behind the content. Shaping, phrasing, dynamic contrast are common to all music.

However, I will, from time to time, tell them the meaning behind the music so they can put it in historical/informational context. Mostly just for informational purposes. Sharing your own personal feeling about the religious meaning behind the music is most likely not relevant or necessary. Everyone connects to something in a different way, so let the kids find their own connection.