Music Practice Tip 16: Mindful Repetition

How should you approach music with repetitive phrases? Whether you have repetitive phrases in sequence or similar pattern repetitions throughout a piece of music, it does not have to sound dull. What kinds of things can you do to make this music interesting?

I have to credit Professional Cellist, Alicia Randisi -Hooker with sharing this practice tip with me to paint.

Mindful repetition is more effective than mindless repetition. Leave a small space between repeated phrases. Set your intention before you play. Click to purchase card or print.

It is so easy to fall into the habit of playing repetitive segments without putting thought and heart into your music. Putting a small breath or space between phrases can highlight them. Varying dynamics, varying tone, tempo and possibly phrasing can add interest. Or keeping the sound exactly the same repeatedly may also be making a point. Just put thought into what your options are, and what kind of feel you want to portray to your listeners. The end result is to communicate a feeling to your audience.