As the school year draws to a close, daily routines, tests, and rehearsals for upcoming concerts will no doubt take up the majority of our time and thoughts. It’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae of everything, so I’d like to present a few thoughts on finding the emotional connection with music—and remembering why we love what we do.

Look at the big picture.

It may seem silly, but we do need to remind ourselves to breathe and relax from time to time. Why do we play and listen to music in the first place? I’ve heard music described as “tangible emotions.” Music has been around since the beginning of human existence and has always been an integral part of our lives. When is the last time you experienced a show, a movie, a restaurant, or even a car ride without it? Even when you’re studying or relaxing, chances are you’re listening to some kind of music—because it connects with us on a deeper level. If a picture is worth a thousand words, music is worth a thousand emotions.

Create that emotional connection.

Think about the reasons you want to dance when you hear a certain beat, why some songs make you cry, and why you have a personal playlist you always return to. When I was in grade school, my violin teacher gave me listening assignments every week. I had to choose a standard musical work and then write a story about what the music represented to me. The story didn’t have to be historically accurate or reflect what the composer intended—although that certainly helped—but rather something of my own creation.

These assignments shaped my view of music, gave me a creative outlet and a sense of ownership, and developed a strong personal bond with the work. I became passionate about the music I listened to and was more motivated to “master” the techniques to tell the stories I wanted to tell through my own performances. The training became tools to get what I wanted, as opposed to a chore I felt obligated to complete.

Finding the story behind the music is a great tool for connecting both the player and the listener. Personal stories, fictional stories, or the actual story behind the music—whatever works to make the music personal. Even if you’re playing a piece that doesn’t initially speak to you, find something in it—or make up something—to form that connection.

I had an orchestra director share a story with me about his students hating a particular lyrical piece they were playing. They often and loudly expressed their disgust and utter hatred for the piece—until he shared the story behind what the music was about. Eventually, the work became their absolute favorite, and they begged to play it over and over.

Teachers and students alike, remember to have fun!

Find your passion and figure out what brings you joy. Chances are, if you teach or are in music classes, you already have a passion—or at least a great love—for music. Your enthusiasm and emotions on stage translate directly into your performance, and the audience will see and feel it. If you’re enjoying the music, your audience will have no choice but to enjoy it too.

Keep in mind, performing on stage is also visual. Feel free to move and express the excitement through your body and your face. I like to tell students to see each other as teammates, using their aural skills to support one another and work together. Ensembles share a common goal, just like sports teams, and there’s something quite magical that happens when you connect with each other—especially during a performance.

Let your voice be heard. Communicate through your instrument, your eyes, and your ears. Your listening skills are your lifeline. Express yourself with your instrument. You have an important voice—let it be heard. This is your chance to have a voice in a profound and impactful way!

I once posted a video of an orchestra performing one of my compositions at a major convention. There were plenty of advanced ensembles with better skill and technique, but this group had so much heart and fun during their performance that they received, by far, the most views, likes, and comments of any video I had posted.

Thinking back on some of the most memorable performances in history, we may be impressed by technically flawless execution—but it’s the musicality and artistry that truly draw us in and make a performance unforgettable.