Shaping The Sound
RHYTHM
Short goes to long (crescendo).
Downbeats are magnetic - strong...but...
No two successive downbeats should be alike.
Upbeats are interesting and have great musical energy.
HARMONY
Stress the unusual; de-emphasize the predictable.
Harmony is more powerful that either rhythmic or melodic.
MELODY
The last note of the group is the softest.
High notes must be supported from below. The important notes are the low ones - they have the energy and push.
Go to the long notes. Make them project.
Upbeats are interesting and unpredictable, downbeats are predictable.
When in doubt, crescendo.
TEXTURE
Piano sound is most interesting when the hands are never the same volume.
PHRASING
Place the focus of your phrase as late as possible.
Out of 4, go for 3
In a 2 measure phrase, the 2nd measure downbeat is strong
The Question is more important than the Answer.
In a two-note slur, the first note is stronger.
GENERAL
Variety is the spice of life. Do not repeat a phrase exactly the same.