When rehearsing, some eager students may excitedly push the tempo faster than marked. Nimble fingers and quick bowing can be flashy but are not always appropriate. Composers are usually intentional with tempo markings; playing too fast can ruin a chance for expression and subtlety. I’d rather hear a piece played slower, but with greater attention to musicianship than hurried and imprecise.
In rehearsal, it’s important to discuss what tempo is appropriate for each piece. Take the tempo too fast and discuss how that affects musicality. Take it too slow and discuss how it affects pacing. As a group, discuss what’s fitting. Some words you might use are:
- Dragging
- Hurried
- Precise
- Musical
By Kendor composer Doug Spata
