What will you remember about this performance ten years from now?
Undoubtedly, the feeling of the performance is what will be foreground. The moment you went out of tune, the moment someone shouted in the audience, the moment you missed an entrance: it’s possible you’ll remember them, but doubtful.
Indeed, the only reason you’ll remember those moments is if you associate a strong feeling with them.
That’s one of the reasons why I focus so heavily on the positive after performances. First and foremost, because making music with people is always joyful. But importantly, because that positivity helps shape the feelings that I and others take away from the performance.
I want my students to have good feelings about their music-making. Because they’re making good music, and because I want that to be what they take away – so that they’ll keep making more music.