Hey Verbatum!/and anyone else who wants to talk about learning music.

Laserblast · Jun 10, 2001

I think you said you were a professor/teacher of music? I missed out on music education in school but love music and want to learn something about it. Can you recommend a book, computer program, website, ect...that might help me to learn to read music? Or maybe just a little bit about how it is composed? I would EMAIL or send a private message, but this seems like it would be an interesting topic to discuss. Thanks for you help, hope you see this! <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

[ June 11, 2001: Message edited by: Laserblast ]

Verbatum · Jun 11, 2001

Glad to help!

Ok, a great book that can help you learn to read is: "Music in Theory and Practice by Bruce Benward". I must warn you though, it is a VERY through and intense book. In fact, it might be too complicated to use by yourself without some guided instruction. But, like I said, it is very detailed and full of info. Do you play an instument? That would help me to determine some other good books for use. Let me know on this forum, and I'll get back to you!
-Take care!

Laserblast · Jun 11, 2001

Thanks for the suggestion! I have no musical knowledge whatsoever though. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">
I know one must get an experienced teacher to seriously study music or an instrument. But what's a good place for me to start to see if I have the commitment? What would be a good thing to try to learn, keyboards? Laserblast sure asks a lot of questions,no? <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0"> Also don't you think it's a shame the way music programs seem to be targeted for budget cuts in schools these days? Thanks for any help & opinions! <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

Verbatum · Jun 11, 2001

Good questions! I'll get back to you tonight on those. The students are waiting!!!

Mercedes · Jun 11, 2001

Laserblast,
You may not have musical knowledge now. But, you may discover that you have musical talent if you actually put yourself into it. You may be born-again Beethoven, Liszt, Mozart, Saint-Saens or Tschaikowsky. You will never know your own potential unless you make an effort to make it happened.

Verbatum · Jun 11, 2001

Originally posted by Laserblast:
Thanks for the suggestion! I have no musical knowledge whatsoever though. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">
I know one must get an experienced teacher to seriously study music or an instrument. But what's a good place for me to start to see if I have the commitment? What would be a good thing to try to learn, keyboards? Laserblast sure asks a lot of questions,no? <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0"> Also don't you think it's a shame the way music programs seem to be targeted for budget cuts in schools these days? Thanks for any help & opinions! <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

Ok, home at last. First of all you have to ask yourself what instrument interestes you the most. Piano is a great way o learn theory, and it is a wonderful instrument. The problem is finding a teacher who teaches it as a wonderful instrument. There are too many "sister mary disciplen with a steel ruler" teachers out there, who lack the passion to play with emotion, teach well, and help you achive your goals. I was luckto have a great teacer, but he is one in a few that I have met.

Guitar is another possiblity. Although harder to learn theory on, and in some cases harder to play,it can be one of the most enjoyable instruments out there. Most guitar teachers love what they do, so often times they are good teachers.

Harp, organ, Koto. These are all great instuments. Think about which one is best for you. Let me know what you think!

As for the buget cut issue: the government has decided that the arts are a needless curriculum and can afford the cuts. However, more has been put into sports. It's great that creativity is halted for a good game of football, and that expanding the mind is a waste of time and should get a wonderful cut. Can you hear the sarcasim?

Anyway, I hope my 8 years of teaching experience has helped you a bit. Let me know what you find. Keep this forum going. I find it very stimulating, and if anyone else wants to ask me a related question, please feel free to do so in this forum!
-Take care
"Wallace"

[ June 11, 2001: Message edited by: Verbatum ]

Laserblast · Jun 12, 2001

-Thanks Mercedes for the encouragement! I would love to hear you play piano some time and hear your compositions! <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">
-Thanks Verbatum for the advice. So you think that one can learn enough about musical composition once they have a background in ANY instument? Do you know any composers that could not play themselves but were great at composing music? Just curious! About the budget cuts, I've heard of many school bands having a hard time financially. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> I think to be a well rounded person you need the basics in school, high tech education, sports/phys ed, and music/arts-at all grade levels. Missing any of these things in schools is a missed opportunity IMHO. So #1 advice:Find a great teacher? Also Verbatum do you compose yourself and if so what style?
Can't thank everyone enough for the help and advice! <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

Mercedes · Jun 12, 2001

I believe piano is a basic instrument for all learners, except that it is not handy to carry around. Spanish guitar sounds beautiful. Like Vertabum said, the theory will be different from those employed by the other musical instruments. In addition, if you have long fingers and do not mind having calluses formed on your finger tips, guitar will be a good instrument of choice for the dollar.

Verbatum · Jun 12, 2001

Again, More tonight, exept one thing: Techniques are of course different for each instrument, but theory does not change from instrument to instrument. Only in the case of cultural infulence does Theory change.

Again, I'll explain more later tonight, and answer your questions!

Verbatum · Jun 12, 2001

OK, do I compose? Yes! As a matter of fact, it's one of the things teach. I mostly compose for orchestra (I get to conduct my own work!), solo instuments, Japanese Gagaku ensemble and electronica, all in different styles. My favorite styles to compose for are Flemenco, Baroque, Romanticism, and ethnic styles. I have a stle that is kind of all my own as well, taking from my Ethnomusicology background.

Learning how to compose takes a few things: being able to speak the Language of music (it also helps to read, and understand it), courage, time, and love of the art of creation. Learning an insrtument you love helps a great deal too, but most of it comes from within. lke I said, it is a language, and we can express our deepest emotions with it. That is where the courage comes in!

[ June 13, 2001: Message edited by: Verbatum ]

Laserblast · Jun 13, 2001

Wow Verbatum. <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0"> Got any WAVs, MIDIs, or MP3s of your stuff up anywhere I can listen to? Is Japanese Gagaku similar to KODO~? I have some of their stuff on CD, very neat! So theory changes from culture to culture in music? Can one work outside the lines of cultural musical theory and expect it to sound good? Thanks for sharing you knowledge! <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

Laserblast · Jun 13, 2001

Originally posted by Mercedes:
I believe piano is a basic instrument for all learners, except that it is not handy to carry around. Spanish guitar sounds beautiful. Like Vertabum said, the theory will be different from those employed by the other musical instruments. In addition, if you have long fingers and do not mind having calluses formed on your finger tips, guitar will be a good instrument of choice for the dollar.

I would try Spanish guitar, but I'm afraid at some point I would be expected to SING!!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> That is one thing I cannot do. <IMG SRC="smilies/ohno.gif" border="0">

Mercedes · Jun 13, 2001

Laserblast, have you decided on any musical instrument yet? You do not want to hear my compositions. They all sound like church hymns. Short composition is part of the theory test required by the London Royal School of Music. This is not what I want to do, this is what the test requires.

Verbatum, I had butterflies in my stomach when I gave recital. How do I overcome this fear. Take a valium? <IMG SRC="smilies/ohno.gif" border="0"> Please advise.

evil wasabi · Jun 13, 2001

I hated music lessons at school cos of what we had to learn,i like heavy metal thats what real music is but they dont teach that stuff at school they think its for satan worshipers or something hahaha partly true,depends on who you are and what your like.
I wanted to sing in a metal band once but i cant cut it with deep throat vocals id end up making my throat bleed,they say it has to come from the diaphramn but that knackers ya out,i dont know how they do it.

Verbatum · Jun 13, 2001

Originally posted by Laserblast:
Wow Verbatum. <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0"> Got any WAVs, MIDIs, or MP3s of your stuff up anywhere I can listen to? Is Japanese Gagaku similar to KODO~? I have some of their stuff on CD, very neat! So theory changes from culture to culture in music? Can one work outside the lines of cultural musical theory and expect it to sound good? Thanks for sharing you knowledge! <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

First of all, all my stuff is on CD. No MP3's, yet. "Gagaku" is a very old traditional style comprised of many instruments like the Shakuhachi (Flute) and Koto. Kodo is more focused on the Taiko Drum aspect of Gagaku.

Theory, is really a bunch of tools, and study of the way we, as a culture, hear music. we use a 12 tone system, while China uses a 24 tone system. In composing, there are no rules, unless you are going for a certian style.

[ June 13, 2001: Message edited by: Verbatum ]

Verbatum · Jun 13, 2001

Originally posted by Mercedes:
Laserblast, have you decided on any musical instrument yet? You do not want to hear my compositions. They all sound like church hymns. Short composition is part of the theory test required by the London Royal School of Music. This is not what I want to do, this is what the test requires.

Verbatum, I had butterflies in my stomach when I gave recital. How do I overcome this fear. Take a valium? <IMG SRC="smilies/ohno.gif" border="0"> Please advise.

Don't overcome it!!! Your fear can be your greatest motivator while performing. I hate it when I don't get a bit nervous. I still play well, but I don't have the same energy as when I channel the jitteries into my emotions, and let it explode in the music!!!

By the way, I went to the Royal School of Music in London as well!

Verbatum · Jun 13, 2001

Originally posted by snknutball:
[QB]I hated music lessons at school cos of what we had to learn,i like heavy metal thats what real music is but they dont teach that stuff at school they think its for satan worshipers: End Quote:

I know what you mean! Actually, metal can be some of the most intricate music there is. Are you farmillier with Carcass? Totally Baroque classical in execution, and some of he most complicated riffs ever.

Laserblast · Jun 15, 2001

Thanks Verbatum, let us know if you have any of your compositions up where we can listen to them! <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

Verbatum · Jun 18, 2001

Originally posted by Laserblast:
Thanks Verbatum, let us know if you have any of your compositions up where we can listen to them! <IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

I have a decnet amount of stuff out there. I'll give you a list later as to what, and where to hear!!!!

Laserblast · Jun 19, 2001

Originally posted by Verbatum:
I have a decnet amount of stuff out there. I'll give you a list later as to what, and where to hear!!!!

Thanks, looking forward to it.
<IMG SRC="smilies/glee.gif" border="0">

Hey Verbatum!/and anyone else who wants to talk about learning music.

Hardened Shock Trooper

Rugal's Panther

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Rugal's Panther

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Rugal's Panther

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Hardened Shock Trooper

Rugal's Panther

Rugal's Panther

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Hardened Shock Trooper

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The Jongmaster

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Rugal's Panther

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Rugal's Panther

Hardened Shock Trooper