Helpful Hints for the Chamber Musician

1. Select music with attention to the players’ abilities and the amount of rehearsal time available. “Read through” several pieces and choose one that appeals to the group.

2. Rehearsal schedules can become a problem, so the smaller the group the better, or at least the easier when it comes to setting up rehearsals.

3. Find a time for regular rehearsals and commit to it. Schedule it on your calendars and plan to be there.

4. Practice your individual parts BEFORE the rehearsal and always warm up individually ahead of time.

5. To save rehearsal time, number the measures on each part. If there is a score for your piece, bring it to rehearsals so that everyone can get the “big picture” of what is going on in any given spot.

6. Use pencils, metronomes, tuners, and tape recorders to help you in rehearsals and to avoid unnecessary arguments.

7. Take an active part in the rehearsal. Listen carefully to one another and do not hesitate to mention the problems you observe.

8. Select one person to “start” the piece with a visual signal. Foot tapping or loud counting are not considered professional ways to begin a piece.

9. Similarly, choose one person to signal a “cut” or end the piece together.

10. During rehearsals and the performance, use constant “eye-contact” to reinforce graceful and accurate entrances or to stay together when the tempo within a piece changes.

11. Always be positive. Enjoy what you are doing, and let it show!

12. At the end of your performance, BOW. Practice bowing individually and together until it feels natural doing this.

Written by Professor Kristy Meretta, Oboe

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