From performance history to the essentials of practice and memorisation, from performance anxiety to the art of listening and criticism, this guide for students, teachers and performers at all levels unravels the complexities of musical performance, focusing on key aspects of learning, playing and responding to music.

Introduction John Rink; Part I. Conceptions and Preconceptions: 1. Performing through history Colin Lawson; 2. Historical performance and the modern performer Peter Walls; 3. Analysis and (or?) performance John Rink; 4. Understanding the psychology of performance Eric Clarke; Part II. Learning to Perform: 5. On teaching performance Janet Ritterman; 6. Developing the ability to perform Jane Davidson; 7. Preparing for performance Stefan Reid; 8. Memorising music Aaron Williamon; Part III. Making Music: 9. From score to sound Peter Hill; 10. Communicating with the body in performance Jane Davidson; 11. Ensemble performance Elaine Goodman; 12. The fear of performance Elizabeth Valentine; Part IV. Interpreting Performance: 13. Listening to performance Eric Clarke; 14. The legacy of recordings Peter Johnson; 15. The criticism of musical performance Raymond Monelle; 16. Performers on performance Jonathan Dunsby.