Although technically schooled ("first chair" all-state sax every year I was in school), I consider myself an expressionist.

I play seven instruments, can read music, know a decent amount of theory (a lifetime is never enough), and have adequate to excellent control over my instruments, (depending on the instrument). However, without adding expression, all of the above would only produce what I call "empty notes".

I try to use the technical skills that I have learned to serve the expression of the music, not the other way around.

I try not to show off the technical skills that I have learned, but instead to play music that has an emotional connection with the audience. I try not to play "over their heads", but instead, at the level in which they can appreciate it. I use phrasing, ornaments, dynamics, and choice of notes to do so. And when I'm performing in front of the audience, I very seldom think of anything, the music just flows, and it almost seems like the music is coming through me instead of from me. For me, thinking about scales, modes, and so on are for practice, not for performance. YMMV

IMHO expression is what music is all about.

Insights and incites by Notes ♫

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

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