Week 3: Expression over Perfection

At this point in the challenge, you've likely become more comfortable with the notes and structure of your piece. Now it's time to shift focus toward interpretation and emotional depth. This week is about exploring what the music means to you and how you can communicate that meaning through sound.

Assignment:

1. Define the Emotional Landscape
   Take a moment to reflect: what is the emotional world of your piece? Is it reflective, playful, tragic, or unsettled? Write a short reflection (1–2 sentences) describing the feeling you want to convey and how that shapes your approach.

2. Record a Passage with Intention
   Select 8–16 measures that feel emotionally significant. Focus on tone, voicing, and timing—not technical perfection. Record and share your performance, along with a brief note on what you aimed to express and why you chose that section.

3. Engage with the Community
   Watch another participant’s video and leave a thoughtful comment. Offer one observation about what worked well!

Guidance:

Schubert's music often blurs the line between clarity and ambiguity, joy and sorrow. Rather than striving for a “correct” interpretation, embrace the nuance and let the music unfold naturally. Sometimes the most moving performances are the ones that feel the most personal.