Six Types of Listening in Band

As band directors, we are tasked with creating, molding and shaping musical sound as well as the listener's perceptions of the art. This requires extremely heightened listening. We are listening for so many components of music and making immediate slight adjustments to create just the right "mix." Clarity evolves in an ensemble through our diligent attention to detail. As we strive for that perfect sound, we focus on different aspects - some of them happening simultaneously. We can focus on 1. the melody (listening horizontally), 2. the harmony (listening vertically), 3. the texture (listening diagonally), 4. the pulse (listening physically), 5. the purity of the form (listening intellectually) or 6. for the sound paintings or timbre (listening imaginatively). As we are focusing and tweaking the music, we are polishing the sound, but are also paying special attention to the silences. I've created a poster for the band hall of the six types so the students can be part of the listening process too. You can grab it here in my personal google drive "Posters" folder. 

This type of listening is not in absence of listening for tone, intonation, balance and phrasing, but is that added focus. When the band can lock in to all the aspects, it will function on a higher level. We are always trying to get our students out of their bubble where they only listen to themselves. I've often used the three levels of listening with my groups, but this will give the students more focus.