Golden Rules For Playing Chamber Music

February 22, 2007 at 3:13 AM

1) Everyone should try to play the same piece.

2) A repeat sign means that everyone should stop and discuss in detail whether to repeat or not.

3) If you play the wrong note, give a nasty look to one of the other players.

4) Tune carefully before playing. That way you can play out of tune all night with a clean conscience.

5) Take your time turning pages.

6) If everyone is lost except you, follow those who are lost.

7) If you are completely lost, stop everyone and say, "I think we should tune."

8) If everyone else has finished playing, do not play any notes you have left over.

9) If a passage is difficult, slow it down. If it is easy, speed it up. Everything will work out in the end.

10) Dynamics, slurs, and ornaments need not be observed. They are written to embellish the score.

Compliments of Philip

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on February 22, 2007 at 6:04 AM

That's great! I love it! Every single one!

From Karin Lin
Posted on February 22, 2007 at 8:12 AM

"Everyone should try to play the same piece." That was SO funny! Thanks for the laugh. :)

From Linda Lerskier
Posted on February 22, 2007 at 1:17 PM

5) Take your time turning pages.

And tuning. Especially when everyone else is playing.

From Judy Terwilliger
Posted on February 22, 2007 at 1:43 PM

11) play louder than everyone else, so you can't hear them even if they are playing the right notes

From Sarah Montoro
Posted on February 23, 2007 at 3:13 AM

12) do burp louder than you ever burped in your life

From Richard Hellinger
Posted on February 23, 2007 at 5:41 AM

If you are completely lost, stop everyone and say, "I think we should tune."

hehe... just better pray that it works ;).

From Mendy Smith
Posted on February 23, 2007 at 6:45 AM

Another version of #7 - if you are a violist and completely lost, ask the first violinist to call out the next practice mark when s/he gets there. Everyone else will just think that you are NOT supposed to be playing. :)

From Linda Lerskier
Posted on February 23, 2007 at 3:08 PM

If the others stop and ask you why the heck your not playing (because you're lost), just tell 'em you have rests. Many, many, rests. And then blame the publisher.

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Golden Rules For Playing Chamber Music

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