As musicians, having goals is vital to our growth as performers, and some of those goals involve learning repertoire that we’ll perform. Practically speaking, I’m not able to learn all the pieces I want to, so I need to decide which repertoire to learn, and which repertoire to leave aside until later (or never).
With that in mind, below is a detailed look at how I decide what to play. I don’t always use the process in this much detail, but I’ve tried to be thorough here for the sake of clarity. I do this around 8-10 months in advance of a performance when I’m learning music for the first time.
Step 1: Brainstorm a list of music you would like to play
You can find a lot of possibilities by consulting:
-Youtube
-Various repertoire lists (your teacher, other teachers, internet, etc.)
-Albums and playlists (Spotify, etc.)
-Old recital programs and recordings
-Old NASA conference, Saxophone Symposium, and World Saxophone Congress programs
-Composers’ websites and lists of works
-Investigation of specific genres or “crossover” styles
In short, list what you’d truly love to play.
Step 2: Consider Your Reasons for Choosing Music You Want to Play
Below I’ve listed some reasons that I’ve learned music in the past, although other people’s reasons probably differ a lot. Some of these seem like “good” and “bad” reasons on the surface, but I think all of these have led me to an immense amount of growth at one time or another, even the first two.
-Our teachers tell us to learn it
-It’s a “standard” that we’re supposed to know
-It’s beautiful or exciting for us and we want to share it with an audience
-We want to add to the saxophone repertoire by playing a new transcription or premiere
-To develop our performance skills
-To learn something about music history
-To find something new and/or hidden (theoretical or interpretive) in an old standard, or to bring obscure information about it to light in program notes or a lecture recital
-We want to revive or maintain something old that’s being forgotten
-The music reflects cultural or musical traditions that are fascinating
-We’re fascinated by the composer’s approach to music or their ideas about music
-It’s an experimental visit to a strange place - like a wilderness or paranormal place - for us and the audience. (Will the audience want to go there with you? Is it that kind of venue/concert?)
What do you want to experience in the music you play? What do you want your audience to experience?
Step 3: Discover Your Restrictions
Almost all of us have repertoire that we “can’t” play right now, due to a number of restrictions including:
-Motivation
Motivation is a great thing, but I tend to think it’s not unlimited, even for people who are highly motivated.
-Our own musical abilities
Be honest with yourself about your abilities and weaknesses, and of course take steps to address shortcomings.
-Time
(See Amon’s productivity outline.)
This is a true limitation, and cannot always be totally defeated. I’m not able to learn music that’s as difficult as I used to, just for this reason.
-Technology
Does future repertoire require electronics (MAX-MSP, etc.)?
-Collaborators
Do you have connections with people who have the capabilities and interests that we are looking for?
Make an honest list of your restrictions. Then, for each, make a short, middle, and long-term (if needed) plan to overcome them. Many can be defeated faster than you might think.
Step 4: Narrow Down Your List of Future Repertoire
Narrow down your brainstormed list. Consider your purpose for learning the music. Is it just to learn it for fun, challenge yourself, for a recital, etc.?
I prioritize music into at least 3 levels
-Music I’m very motivated and able to play, even if it’s difficult and time-consuming. (3)
-Music I like, but has some restrictions like technology, collaborators, etc. - (2)
-Music that I become somewhat indifferent about, emotionally, or has serious restrictions, or I just don’t have time or ability to learn.
You should use your own criteria to prioritize - these are just suggestions and what I do.
Enjoy the search and discovery of new music for your performances!