Intentional Musicianship Jeff Price

 
Introduction: Getting to the stage takes a lot of personal work and effort. Consequently, it takes a lot of support. In the beginning, each of us was probably supported by a special family member and friends. Maybe a local church or a place where you performed regularly, like a community music program. Of course, we had some support from some awesome teachers. And we've developed relationships with friends. As we went to school, we made more friends and colleagues and met more teachers. These relationships start to connect like a big spider web. It makes our world become linked, and it also makes it a very small world.
Episode Focus: Today's episode is all about networking and how important it is to grow in this area. We will explore 7 key concepts in the context of what I discovered when I went to a local music Expo. The show may sound like an infomercial, but it's not—it's all about the stories and connections made at this very special local event.
Key Concepts:
Resource Building Reputation Enhancement Collaboration Opportunities Support System Professional Development Visibility Legacy Building Conclusion: One of the best parts about being a musician is the people you meet along the way. It doesn't matter if you're a music educator at a local high school or a soloist on tour; it's important to take advantage of those networks because they allow us to amplify our access, inspire others, collaborate, grow, and resonate with new opportunities long into the future.
Thanks for joining us on this journey of intentional musicianship and networking!
Folks mentioned in the podcast:
Red House Productions Beta Flute Quartet Flute 360 Tampere Flute Fest Heidi Kay Begay Efthia Arkoudis Local Businesses: Black Bear Customs A+ Music Bandland Music Fawley Music  Buffalo Flats Stringworks Mountain Craft Ivory Legal Songs and Stories WV Neurotic Audio  McCord House Roundabout Records Born and Bred Music Volkweins My support : Mike Hollis Fairmont State University  West Virginia University Army Bands  
Welcome to Intentional Musicianship!!!!
The "Intentional Musicianship" podcast, hosted by Jeff Price, is designed for musicians who aim to elevate their performance on multiple levels. This isn't your average "how to play better" show. We go beyond technique to focus on improving your stage presence, musical storytelling, audience communication, and breaking genre norms to form a deeper connection with your audience. Whether you're an amateur, a seasoned professional, or a music educator, our goal is to help you achieve a greater return on your performance investment. This could range from building a more committed fanbase to increasing merchandise sales. We utilize an adult learning model, so we assume you already have a foundation in performance and aim to refine and innovate on your existing skills. The ultimate goal? To create unforgettable experiences that not only entertain but engage your audience on a deeper level. The call to action is to foster community, encourage engagement, and provide actionable insights, all of which can be further explored at intentionalmusicianship.com.

This episode is a lot of fun and takes an unconventional turn as we explore the dynamic world of musical storytelling and audience communication, inspired by a concert at a mall store opening(Black Friday is just a couple days away). Everyone has a story and it is great to learn from folks that perform daily. So, we get into the nitty-gritty of performance - where it was, who was playing, and the vibe they created. We'll chat about everything from the snug stage setup to the snazzy costumes, and how these musicians, including the intriguing Elvis Presley Junior, captivate a crowd. It's not just a concert recap; it's a treasure trove of tips for any musician looking to amp up their game and connect more deeply with their audience. Whether you're a solo act or part of an ensemble, this episode is packed with insights to help you make your mark on the stage and beyond. So, tune in, and let's get into the heart of what makes a performance truly unforgettable.
Welcome to Intentional Musicianship!!!!
The "Intentional Musicianship" podcast, hosted by Jeff Price, is designed for musicians who aim to elevate their performance on multiple levels. This isn't your average "how to play better" show. We go beyond technique to focus on improving your stage presence, musical storytelling, audience communication, and breaking genre norms to form a deeper connection with your audience. Whether you're an amateur, a seasoned professional, or a music educator, our goal is to help you achieve a greater return on your performance investment. This could range from building a more committed fanbase to increasing merchandise sales. We utilize an adult learning model, so we assume you already have a foundation in performance and aim to refine and innovate on your existing skills. The ultimate goal? To create unforgettable experiences that not only entertain but engage your audience on a deeper level. The call to action is to foster community, encourage engagement, and provide actionable insights, all of which can be further explored at intentionalmusicianship.com.

In this episode, we breakdown a recent study commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, it was revealed that 76% of adults would be more likely to attend an orchestral concert if there were modernizations to the concert experience. With shorter concerts, more matinee performances, and more interactive elements like 'meet-and-greets' and social media engagement topping the list, it's clear that both new and seasoned audiences are craving a more accessible and engaging live music environment. As musicians aiming for intentional performance, understanding these evolving audience preferences can provide a roadmap for connecting more deeply with our listeners and growing a more engaged fanbase.
 
Link to original article: Audience want more modern concert experience 
 
Welcome to Intentional Musicianship!!!!
The "Intentional Musicianship" podcast, hosted by Jeff Price, is designed for musicians who aim to elevate their performance on multiple levels. This isn't your average "how to play better" show. We go beyond technique to focus on improving your stage presence, musical storytelling, audience communication, and breaking genre norms to form a deeper connection with your audience. Whether you're an amateur, a seasoned professional, or a music educator, our goal is to help you achieve a greater return on your performance investment. This could range from building a more committed fanbase to increasing merchandise sales. We utilize an adult learning model, so we assume you already have a foundation in performance and aim to refine and innovate on your existing skills. The ultimate goal? To create unforgettable experiences that not only entertain but engage your audience on a deeper level. The call to action is to foster community, encourage engagement, and provide actionable insights, all of which can be further explored at intentionalmusicianship.com.

 
The episode emphasizes the power of eye contact in performance. Jeff explores how eye contact can break the fourth wall between the performer and the audience. It contrasts the norms of ensemble culture, where musicians typically focus on their music or instruments, with the potential for deeper audience engagement through mindful eye contact. It also addresses common objections like the distraction of bright stage lights and personal comfort.
 
Key Points
 
1. Importance of Eye Contact: Engages the audience and communicates that they matter.
2. Current Norms vs New Possibilities: Many musicians focus inwardly or on their fellow performers. There’s an opportunity for deeper engagement by focusing outward toward the audience.
3. Recording for Self-Review: Capture your performance to objectively review your eye contact habits. Make adjustments as needed.
4. Intentional Eye Closure: If eye closure is necessary for emotional or technical reasons, make it deliberate and intentional to not seem disengaged.
5. Bright Stage Lights: Offer techniques like body orientation to signify where your attention is, especially when direct eye contact isn’t possible due to lighting.
 
Tips for Application
 
• Use Audience Sectors: Break the audience into sections. Look at different sections at different times to give the impression you’re engaging with everyone.
• Frequency Check: Be conscious of how often you close your eyes or engage with the audience via eye contact. Aim for balance.
• Nonverbal Cues: Utilize your body language to augment your eye contact, especially when lights are too bright for direct eye contact.
 
The goal is not just to be technically proficient but also to be effective communicators on stage, turning casual spectators into committed fans.

In this episode, we explore the nuanced art of live musical performance, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and connection with the audience. The discussion covers key musical elements like dynamics, articulation, tempo, and tension, highlighting how these can make or break a live performance. Musicians are encouraged to think beyond the notes on the page and consider the emotional and aesthetic impacts of their choices. For instance, using musical marks like fermatas or cesuras can add layers of tension and engagement in a piece. 
### Practical Tips:
1. **Consciously Use Dynamics**: Tailor your volume levels to the venue and audience. Practice your pieces at different dynamics to be prepared for any performance setting.
  
2. **Articulation Matters**: Adjust your articulation based on the venue and the specific sound you're aiming for. This nuance can significantly impact how your music resonates with the audience.
  
3. **Contextual Tempo**: Be mindful of your audience when deciding the tempo of your piece. A faster tempo can add excitement, while a slower one can provide emotional weight.
  
4. **Use Musical Marks for Tension**: Experimenting with fermatas or cesuras can create additional emotional layers, making your performance more engaging.
  
5. **Don't Be Literal, Be Effective**: The exact notes might be less critical than the emotional impact they create, especially in live performances. 
6. **Adapt and Overcome**: Keep a close eye on your audience and adapt your performance in real-time for maximum engagement. The ultimate goal is effective communication with your audience.
By incorporating these techniques into your practice and performance, you'll not only improve your musical skills but also enhance your ability to connect with your audience, fulfilling the goal of creating an intentional, engaging musical event.

  Hello and welcome to another episode of Intentional Musicianship with Jeff Price. Today, we're diving deep into the concept of storyboarding to help musicians intentionally design impactful live performances that resonate with their audiences. If you're looking to up your live performance game, this episode is packed with tips, tricks, and insights you won't want to miss.
Storyboarding for Success Emphasize the need for intentional planning through storyboarding to map out the layout of a performance, including the use of stage space. Visual Engagement Discuss the power of diversifying visual elements and using the entire stage to engage the audience. Advocate for recording performances and auditing them to understand how visuals are working. Diversifying the Program Stress the importance of having a varied setlist and potentially using different setups or soloists to keep the audience interested. Opportunity for Spontaneity Note that thorough planning doesn't restrict freedom; it actually prepares you to make the most of spontaneous moments. Audience Engagement and ROI Point out that a well-thought-out show increases audience engagement and, in turn, various types of return on investment, from mailing list sign-ups to merchandise sales. Welcome to Intentional Musicianship!!!!
The "Intentional Musicianship" podcast, hosted by Jeff Price, is designed for musicians who aim to elevate their performance on multiple levels. This isn't your average "how to play better" show. We go beyond technique to focus on improving your stage presence, musical storytelling, audience communication, and breaking genre norms to form a deeper connection with your audience. Whether you're an amateur, a seasoned professional, or a music educator, our goal is to help you achieve a greater return on your performance investment. This could range from building a more committed fanbase to increasing merchandise sales. We utilize an adult learning model, so we assume you already have a foundation in performance and aim to refine and innovate on your existing skills. The ultimate goal? To create unforgettable experiences that not only entertain but engage your audience on a deeper level. The call to action is to foster community, encourage engagement, and provide actionable insights, all of which can be further explored at intentionalmusicianship.com.