Score Reading for Ensembles

Do you wish your ensemble played like they had the score in front of them?

Wish they knew everything (or SOMETHING) that was going on?

Wish YOU knew more about what was going on?

By teaching our ensembles to read scores, we can improve all of our collective skills in, and understanding of:

• How & where to direct listening
• Musical roles - melody, accompaniment etc. Orchestration & balance
• Internal audiation - hearing in our heads Musical contrast
• Form & structure
• Interpretation - what is the composer saying?
• Expression, emotion and character
• Musical storytelling & communication

This process is not just for students but for all of us! You will be astounded by what hidden secrets you discover within your ensemble and the music.

How does it work?

Score Reading for Ensembles takes you step by step through a proven process for leading score reading activities with your ensemble  - either online or in person. Thorough and clear, with instructions and screen shots you'll have your ensemble collaborating in no time.

You can adapt this to work with ensembles of any age, from primary/elementary students to adults and professionals. 

Check out the preview at the top of the page to see the steps and what you'll need to do help your ensemble gain more insight and knowledge about the music they're preparing.

What do musicians say about this activity?

"This is really helpful for people like me who are just winging it, and have very limited music instruction beyond technical skills on my own instrument."

"Was nice getting to collaborate with people from different sections...to get the different perspectives as to how the melody sounds."

"Would be great to do this for more of the pieces we're hoping to play."

"I never get asked those questions in a professional orchestra so it's a great opportunity here."

"Loved looking into what is actually happening in the score - would love even more to go even further into what is actually happening in the music!"