Phrases and periods

A musical phrase resembles a meaningful sentence: it has motion, a high point and a place to pause. Several phrases can form a period.

Read music in larger units

Do not study a melody only one note at a time. Look for repetition, a responding phrase, motion toward a climax and a place where harmony asks to continue.

Practice

• Sing the melody without the instrument.
• Mark the place for a breath or pause.
• Play the phrase in one gesture while keeping its direction.

Start slowly and use your ear to check what you have read.