THE ART OF LISTENING

Whether listening to a masterful piece by one of the classical giants or a lead-edge work by a living composer, orchestral music invites you into a musically daring adventure filled with excitement or stillness, joy or sadness, or triumph or loss. Your main job is to listen and be affected by what you hear. Let the music provoke you and inspire you.

Here are a few tips to help you master the art of listening:

LISTEN AS CLOSELY AS YOU CAN

You've most likely heard people describe orchestral music as a relaxing escape or a perfect soundtrack to daily life. Truth is, if you listen closely, you'll hear more, notice more, and appreciate the artful message woven between the notes.

HEAR THE UNIQUE QUALITIES OF THE PERFORMERS

A composer is a partner in the creation of a concert. They provide the blueprint for the performance while the orchestra builds the house and adds the ornaments and furniture. With the freedom of interpretation, no single piece sounds the same.

What To Listen For

Music is organized sound, filled with patterns, themes, and moods. Close your eyes and try to visualize what you hear. Do you see colors, shapes, characters or dancers, places, or locations? What is the story that is unfolding?

As you are listening, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What is the mood, feeling, or character of the music? Is it staying the same or changing?

2. Is the music loud or soft? Does it suddenly change?

3. Timbre: What instruments are sounding together? What new sounds are created by different combinations of instruments?

4. What is the tempo of the music? Can you feel the beat in your body?

5. Do you notice recurring themes that you heard previously?

6. What are the other instruments doing if they don’t have the melody?

7. Musical conversations: Do different instruments or sections call or respond to each other?

8. Rhythms and emphasis: How are the rhythms different or complimentary?

Music Is A Tapestry

When you take the time to listen and enjoy it, you will always hear something new or different. You don't need to be a musician or an aficionado to enjoy an ESYO concert. All you need is an open ear and an open mind. Let the music affect you, visualize what you hear, and connect it to your life. Most importantly, give yourself a break from email, social media, texting, and screens. Let the music speak to you, especially if it challenges you to listen differently.

Esyo Young Leaders

ESYO’s Young Leaders (YL) program provides opportunities for the next generation of musicians and arts leaders to gain hands-on experience and assist in the programs of an internationally-recognized youth orchestra. Young Leaders participate an average of 8-10 hours a month in a variety of ways, including professional development workshops and trainings; volunteering in special events, community projects, and administrative tasks; engaging as ESYO teaching assistants and ambassadors; and serving on ESYO's Board of Directors. Past student-led YL community projects have included an instrument and music supplies drive, volunteer music festival, outreach presentations in local schools, Soundwalk in Washington Park, and virtual collaborative music projects.

Is Proud To Support The Empire State Youth Orchestra