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Notes and Notions
What is needed in a "good instrument," and how do you choose one?
First of all, a good instrument is one which serves the purpose for which it is intended. It will meet both practical and artistic needs. It will mature with use, becoming richer in tone and more integral to the performer's sense of self.
Initially the choice of musical instrument can be revealing, in terms of personal qualities, preferences and inclinations of the performer. Emergent through experience, these preferences will either be refined and deepened, or reconsidered and discarded. The qualities will become more universal in applicability, more durable and more purposeful.
A good instrument is well designed for use in a variety of circumstances and climates, not so sensitive as to be found lacking when tested by the vagaries of temperature and humidity - the heat of temper and strain, or the humidity of disappointment and sorrow.
A good instrument will both measure and be measurable. It will, in capable hands, seek to know both the limits and the potential of its environment. In capable hands the effort expended to facilitate its sounding,will be commensurate with the nature of the sound required - the sound of celebration, the sound of caution, the sound of determination.
The instrument needs to be tunable and sustain its tuning well, in use which includes both the easy andthe virtuosic, the daily and the heroic - accommodating both life's requests and life's demands.
The attributes of a good instrument are also true of the performer's developing technique.
Good technique is one that serves the purpose for which it is intended. Good technique is adaptable to agiven piece of repertoire, to any given day - bringing the brilliance of understanding and interpretation
to the notes which comprise the event.
The choice of the repertoire, which the technique best lends itself to, is also revealing, in terms ofpersonal qualities, preferences and inclinations. Is it repertoire of a leader, a visionary, a caregiver?
Will the repertoire expand as experience is garnered? Are more purposes served in and by the sounding of the instrument? Will wisdom emerge as the dominant motivator and encourager?
Will technique become one with artistry? Will it both measure need, and be immeasurable in its response to need? These questions will find their answers as character develops through and because of musical study. The pursuit informs the person.
The instrument you choose is the one you will build. The purpose is to love; the choice is one of conscience; the design is adaptable to necessity; the measure is of response to planetary need; the tuning and its sustainability are a matter of commitment.
Ultimately that instrument and its performance are you. Play well!
Mary HawnDirector, Division of Preparatory Studies
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