The Performer

Abstract

Skillfully singing or playing an instrument, even at a very advanced level, is not enough by itself to ensure success as a performer. Musicians who give live performances must also use body gesture, facial expression, and other elements of stage presence to enhance their musical sound production. The visual aspects of live performance are influential to how audiences perceive the music, and therefore critical to performance. Additionally, outside of unaccompanied solo performing, musicians must know how to function effectively with coperformers, both in terms of musically coordinating performance (e.g., synchronizing multiple parts and performing in tune with each other) and communicating—both verbally and nonverbally—with each other. This chapter examines aspects of being a performer that are sometimes overlooked. Music performers can gain much by giving explicit attention to mastering the visual aspects of live performance and the interpersonal skills of musical collaboration.