The phrase “group mind” in reference to ensemble musical performance is intended to gather the following below. These are developed in a series of reflections under “group mind.” (Links listed at bottom)
- That the collaborative process of ensemble performance results in music that is greater than the sum of its parts.
- The music takes on a life of its own – a life that is palpable, making demands on the musicians and feeding their creative process.
- This process is far more than intellectual, involving every aspect of the performers.
- An artistically effective ensemble performance requires members to be competent (which presumes some ego investment in their competence) and cooperative toward a shared goal (which presumes a willingness to put ego aside to some degree for something greater than oneself.)
- Effective performance includes some degree of interactive spontaneity (more so in improvisatory music) which implies a discipline of simultaneous playing and listening; feeding the process through playing and feeding off the process through listening – making room for others’ contributions and adding to the whole.
- This spontaneity requires a certain permeability on the part of the individual performers – a willingness and even a desire to be influenced by both the other musicians and the music itself.
- “I” to some degree becomes “we” and even “we” fades into the background putting the “music itself” in the foreground.
- The desire for transcendence – being part of something greater than oneself by “giving oneself” to it – is always at issue for the performers.
- The unitive effect of music brings about a unity of purpose and experience for the performers.