• By Annie Fullard and Dorianne Cotter-Lockard
• Demonstrates innovative, proven rehearsal techniques for collaborative and inspired ensemble work developed over the course of a multifaceted career in music performance and teaching
• Provides insights and inspiration from over 30 professional chamber musicians
• Provides instructions and techniques via both written and video format
• Paperback edition features many color images

This book is an invitation for all who aspire to the highest level of ensemble artistry and wish to work more productively and joyfully within a musical ensemble. The concepts and techniques included help artists find their own unique vocabulary and tools to refine their music making process and learn how as a team to direct their group endeavors. The book offers a systematic approach to individual preparation for rehearsal, score study, planning and implementing a constructive and effective rehearsal, and the interpretive process. The authors address tension and conflict within groups, including strategies for working well together and creating an empathetic and healthy environment for rehearsals and performances. Approaches are highlighted for researching and discovery regarding the context, character and meaning of musical works and as well as cultivating vital collaboration with living composers. The final chapters include proven practical techniques, organized by their intended purpose for everyday use in rehearsals and teaching.

Based on more than 35 years of rehearsing, performing, and teaching by the Cavani Quartet, and inspired by the authors' mentors, teachers and students, these essential techniques are designed to give each ensemble member an equal voice in the interpretive process while solving technical issues. Topics include cueing and breathing, rhythmic alignment and ensemble, intonation, sound production, projecting expression, strategic listening, and balance. The final chapter includes a capstone technique called LBAD (Live, Breathe, and Die) that heightens the connection between ensemble members through nonverbal communication. Video demonstrations of selected techniques are included on the companion website.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Peter Salaff

Preface

How to Use This Book

About the Companion Website

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Part I: Collaboration Basics to Build Your Team

Chapter 1: Our Rehearsal & Teaching Philosophy

Chapter 2: Working Well Together

Part II: Rehearsal Preparation and Process

Chapter 3: Individual Preparation

Chapter 4: Score Study

Chapter 5: Rehearsal Playbook

Part III: Inspiration and Interpretation

Chapter 6: Exploring Character

Chapter 7: Exploring the Composer's World

Part IV: Techniques for Productive Rehearsals

Chapter 8: Techniques for Cueing & Breathing Together

Chapter 9: Techniques for Rhythmic Alignment & Ensemble

Chapter 10: Techniques for Intonation

Chapter 11: Techniques for Sound Production

Chapter 12: Techniques for Projecting Expression

Chapter 13: Techniques for Strategic Listening & Balancing Voices

Chapter 14: The Capstone Technique: Live, Breathe, and Die (LBAD)

Notes

Appendices

Bibliography

Index