The X Factor
I mention the X factor occasionally in my teaching, and it is mentioned in one of my upcoming books. It is a term I first heard a colleague at Brevard use in reference to his instrument, a classic one with a classic tone. It gave him the X factor.
I use the term primarily to indicate the difference between a workmanlike performance–one that is good and clean but somewhat bland–and an artistic performance. What you must strive for is a performance that has a great tone with that little bit of extra style and nuance.
Another way I sometimes word it to students is that, right or wrong, there is a difference between the playing of a principal hornist and a section hornist, at least in our imagination. A good section player can and should be able to lead and match with great style, of course, but may not reach quite that level due to choices of equipment, articulations, tone color, etc.
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