Embracing the “Wrong” in Classical Music Interpretation: About Finding Balance Between Tradition and Creativity in Classical Music Performance

Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between tradition and personal interpretation in classical music, mainly focusing on the experience of conservatoire music students. I argue that the traditional approach to classical music in education leaves too little room for creativity and finding one’s voice, resulting in a lack of personal development, expression and experimentation. To address this issue, I propose artistic experimentation and teaching strategies that emphasize the importance of creating nonconformist music learning spaces with accountability guidelines for musical learning, encouraging experimentation, risk-taking, and self-expression. In addition, I aim to demonstrate how classically trained musicians can find a balance between tradition and personal interpretation in performance. By fostering an environment that values both tradition and creativity, musicians can explore new ways of performing classical works outside standard interpretive forms. This practice-led research has demonstrated new possibilities for musicians’ performances, as well as opening new paths for familiar music to have a lasting and meaningful impact. This suggests alternatives, possibilities, and opportunities within the discipline. The article concludes that the search for a balance between tradition and creativity is ongoing.