Godwin's Tips on Speaking about Music

Godwin Friesen – Winner of the 2018 PianoArts Audience Communication Award

”I am seeking ways to integrate my many interests into performances that articulate something relevant and impactful to audiences.”  

Godwin's Tips – Speaking to Audiences about Music  

Godwin’s preparation for speaking about a piece of music begins with research, asking how the music creates meaning, and what the key listening points are. Following is an outline of his method of preparation: 

Research

• Study the notes in the score 
• Learn the history, on the internet and in books 
• Decide how the piece is unique and how the music creates meaning  
• Decide what information will get the audience listening 

Prepare

• Practice the talk  
• Memorize the key points  
• Avoid having a "memorized-sounding speech" by not planning exact sentences  
• Do plan the last sentence before sitting down at the piano

Perform

• Speak confidently 
•  Enjoy sharing

Godwin's love of music and speaking about music was nurtured by performing in the Friesen Family Band, which has recorded three albums and toured across Canada. His abilities to perform piano and speak to audiences grew to a new level when he began his studies at The Glenn Gould School. Currently, Godwin is in the senior class, studying piano with John O’Conor.  Godwin has performed with the Regina Symphony, Saskatoon Symphony, and Greater Toronto Philharmonic orchestras. His many awards, as a soloist and as a chamber musician, include winning second place with his piano quartet in The Glenn Gould School Chamber Competition. Godwin was recently honored to perform with Canada's Piano Six– New Generation and in the show, 88Keys, for Soulpepper Theater. His compositions have been performed by the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra and by the Junior Choir of the Phil and Eli Taylor Academy with Godwin as the conductor.  

Listen to Godwin's award winning presentation on the PianoArts Facebook page.

Questions for Godwin? Write your question in the comment section and he will respond.   

Watch for upcoming blogs about professional musicians who include conversations about music in their concerts and/or give other types presentations, such as pre-concert talks.