1. The Importance of Internal Communication
Musicians naturally focus on artistic communication, but the way they interact offstage is just as crucial. Marion Lesaffre-Pommier (préludes) emphasized:
“Good internal communication prevents small misunderstandings from turning into long-term conflicts.”
Many ensembles struggle with assumed understanding—thinking that because they work well musically, other aspects will automatically fall into place. But logistical planning, decision-making, and emotional dynamics require a different kind of communication.
2. Some Common Challenges Ensembles Encounter
During the session, participants shared real struggles they face when working together.
🔹 Language barriers
One ensemble member noted: “We often slip into our native language without realizing it, and it can unintentionally exclude others in the group.”
🔹 Overload of digital communication
Several musicians mentioned that excessive messages make it difficult to track important information: “We have a WhatsApp group, emails, and shared documents… Sometimes I miss important updates because they get buried.”
🔹 Handling communication under stress
Pressure before a performance or recording session can affect how members interact. One participant admitted: “We usually communicate well, but when stress builds up, I feel like we stop listening to each other.”
🔹 Mixing friendship and work
Many ensembles spend time together outside rehearsals, which can blur professional boundaries: “It’s hard to switch from ‘hanging out’ to having structured discussions. Sometimes we avoid difficult conversations to keep things ‘nice’—but that doesn’t always help.”
3. Conflict Resolution Techniques
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When conflicts arise, different personalities react in different ways. |
After introducing the Drama Triangle of Karpman, Marion explained the five main conflict-handling styles:
1️⃣ Avoiding – Pretending there is no problem.
2️⃣ Accommodating – Letting others have their way to maintain harmony.
3️⃣ Compromising – Finding a middle ground.
4️⃣ Competing – Trying to ‘win’ the argument.
5️⃣ Collaborating – Seeking a solution where everyone benefits.
One musician shared: “I realized I always avoid conflict, but that can be just as harmful as arguing. Now, I try to address issues earlier.”
4. Tools & Strategies to Improve Communication
The workshop introduced practical strategies to help ensembles communicate more effectively and reduce misunderstandings.
1) Active listening
Marion stressed the importance of truly hearing each other:
“Try repeating back what the other person said in your own words. It helps avoid misinterpretations and makes them feel heard.”
2) Nonviolent communication
Rather than blaming, focus on four steps:
1️⃣ Observation (“I noticed we’ve been late to rehearsals lately”)
2️⃣ Feeling (“I feel frustrated because it disrupts our focus”)
3️⃣ Need (“I need us to be more punctual”)
4️⃣ Request (“Can we agree on a fixed arrival time?”)
3) Structured check-ins
Several participants committed to adding monthly meetings to discuss logistics and group dynamics:
“Having a dedicated space for non-musical discussions helps keep rehearsals focused on playing.”
4) Clear roles & expectations
One ensemble shared that they improved their workflow by defining responsibilities: “Now we know who handles bookings, social media, and finances—it makes everything smoother.”
5. Final Takeaways & Actions
At the end of the workshop, each participant committed to one concrete action to improve communication in their ensemble. Ideas included:
🟢 Setting up a monthly discussion meeting (outside of rehearsals).
🟢 Using a shared online tool to centralize all ensemble communication.
🟢 Practicing assertiveness by clearly expressing needs and expectations.
🟢 Creating an ensemble “agreement” to clarify values and work ethics.
We put so much effort into refining our sound—why not do the same for how we work together?
The session was a powerful reminder that a well-communicating ensemble is a stronger ensemble. Investing in better communication means fewer misunderstandings, smoother rehearsals, and a healthier, happier group dynamic—allowing musicians to focus on what truly matters: the music.