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WOW, Thinking about changing my major would like some comments plzz (pg. 3)
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| RichieV |
yup
classical music and jazz theory pretty much cover the entire gambit of musical theory so why would they even bother teaching anything else |
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| Project-K |
| Not really - and I feel sorry for you if that's what the program you were in was like. In my first year alone we covered all sorts of exotic styles from eastern african drones, tribal fusion to early electronic tape music and musique concrete. They all have their own little systems of rules independant from one another. |
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| Sanguis Mortuum |
| quote: | Originally posted by RichieV
the stuff they teach you in music school will help you learn classical music. Unless you plan to do something to do with classical music , why even bother . |
And how exactly is the music theory used in trance any different to that used in classical music?
Oh yeah...it isnt... |
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| RichieV |
nope
expect dumbed down by a factor of i don't know , a thousand ?
the point was that it is overkill. You can learn everything you need to know theory wise involving trance in about 1 month. |
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| RichieV |
| quote: | Originally posted by Project-K
Not really - and I feel sorry for you if that's what the program you were in was like. In my first year alone we covered all sorts of exotic styles from eastern african drones, tribal fusion to early electronic tape music and musique concrete. They all have their own little systems of rules independant from one another. |
where did you go ? |
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| Paradigm |
I'm a music student, and I'll say this: if you're seriously thinking about this, just think about the people you'll be competing against. Wanna do only electronic? Look at the education backgrounds of some of the famous producers out there. Most probably don't have music degrees. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong.) Thinking of picking up a traditional instrument to play things like classical, jazz, or commercial genres (like a cruise ship band or the backup band for a funk/soul group, etc.)? At the current point in your life, do you REALLY have 10 years of 4-8 hours a day to practice? Sure, it can be done in less time than that if you're talented and your practice habits are very efficient, but the most talent in the world can't build muscle memory without hours of playing... There's no such thing as "I don't feel like practicing" or "I'll make up for it tomorrow." Also, as far as playing an instrument goes, think of the people who started playing at age 5 with the best teachers and feverish motivation. Those are the people that you'll be competing against for that gig you want or that spot in the orchestra.
Like other people have said, let music be your hobby. Get those bills taken care of first! |
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| jupiterone |
a degree doesn't really promise you a job, especially in the engineer workplace. people often times struggle years of doing recording sessions for other artist for free or for little cash before they ever make it anywhere in the field. it's become a really hard field to make it in since technology has become so efficient and convenient that anyone can record an entire session on a laptop without paying a professional engineer.
the way i've always thought of it is to keep your most promising things close by. if you're talented and good at making music then the success will come sooner or later if you work at it. majoring in engineering or whatever field of music won't make you good. as paradigm said, many people have been playing instruments for years and years. this is your competition. same thing in the engineering field, you're competing against thousands of graduates that are pasting fliers all around the city promoting themselves. |
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| ASFSE |
you dont need to study music in college. you're better off getting a degree in a field which will help put food on the table. get a private music instructor or read books on your own time. if you got the love and passion, and of course the talent, you can learn how to create real music by thinking critically and just using common sense.
psych is probably one of the greatest fields to study, as creating good music is not only about knowing theory and such, but also about knowing how the human mind works. if that makes sense:D good luck, and remember, as others have already said...you're just another rat in the race. |
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| cryophonik |
One other related point that you definitely need to consider:
| quote: | Originally posted by DJ Robby Rox
I've NEVER had any sort of formal musical training.
There was other dudes in the class who said they played various instruments, had formal teaching and what not, and I was like "damn, I use vst's and can pretty much play any instrument". And haven't had a single lesson my entire life.
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Which is exactly why you probably would not even pass the entrance exams at a university - maybe at a community college (?). Any decent music program has minimum eligibility requirements because there are so many people competing to get into those programs and a limited number of open enrollment slots. The entrance exams will always require, at a minimum, an audition (unless it's a piss-ass program), which means that you need to demonstrate that you actually play an instrument or sing with some level of competency. The people that you will be competing against just to get into the program will have played instruments for most of their life and will be able to solo, read music, sight-read, etc. I recommend looking at the home pages of the music departments at the universities you'd be considering - most of them will probably indicate what their minimum requirements for admission are.
Your enthusiasm and desire to want to pursue music so passionately is definitely admirable, but there are a lot of realities that you obviously haven't considered. You've gotten a ton of great advice from many wise people here - I hope you listen closely and give it the thought it needs. You can be a very successful and talented musician without making such a drastic, life-altering decision. Think about it - how many of your favorite musicians have degrees in music? (hint: probably none :) ) |
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| Sanguis Mortuum |
| quote: | Originally posted by RichieV
nope
expect dumbed down by a factor of i don't know , a thousand ?
the point was that it is overkill. You can learn everything you need to know theory wise involving trance in about 1 month. |
The more you know the better; the more possibilities. I dont think you could possible know too much music theory... |
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| Chronosis |
Funny. I've been interested in psychology for the last 2-3 years, and been studying it on my own time. Last spring I was pondering hard whether I should go to university (6 years) to get a degree.
It's indeed a hard decision. Eventually I decided not to. I'm not really sure if I want to spend the rest of my life solving other peoples problems. I just want to know as much as I can about the human psyche.
Currently I'm on a part-time job, and mostly likely will keep that line of living as long as I'm good enough in something to start a business of my own. |
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| Derivative |
| quote: | Originally posted by Sanguis Mortuum
And how exactly is the music theory used in trance any different to that used in classical music?
Oh yeah...it isnt... |
The point of music theory isn't to slavishly follow it. When you study the history and evolution of music and theory one thing stands out above all else - how many people bend or even break the rules and still make a great song.
Then you come to the conclusion that they aren't actually rules and you don't need to obey them. It is useful information to know and to have in the back of your brain if you get lost and need to ground yourself again. But you should never approach the theory as if you have to write music along theoretical lines. You don't have to and I would even go so far as to say that you shouldn't unless you like listening to people wank up and done rote learned scales.
You would think that having a song consisting almost entirely of a single repeated note would be an incredibly boring way to write music. But plenty of people have proven that you can do it and make it interesting.
Exhibit A:
Vibrasphere - Landmark.
The thing to appreciate about this track is that there is always something happening. It is always building in a crescendo or diminishing in a dimminuendo. There are many variations in the velocity and pressure that is applied to each note. It fits very well with the idea of writing music that tries to lull you into a hypnotic state because it is repetitive. But at the same time, it is not monotone. Each note does not have equal weight. It is perpetually building towards a climax but it never gets there and it never takes you out of the groove with any sort of catchy hook or breakdown or sudden change of pace. For what it was intended to be it is perfect and that ironically includes the presence of its flaws.
I'm not interested in music that is literally maths in sound terms. I rather like listening to people who make music from their gut - mistakes and all. |
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