So I really enjoy Adam Neely’s posts. Maybe too much…
He has good topics.
The videos makes you think.
His band is awesome!!!
Totally my $.02
Maybe too many shorts on weird rhythms….
So anyway…
This post is inspired by this Vlog post, and the response I guess. It did make me think of this old commercial.
Adam has his case studies, but for me, … This is the whole truth and nothing but the truth!
Mozart, Bach, Beethoven were once considered POP music
So were Dylan. Wilson, and some parents.
I Know… … … Dad Jokes.
Personally, this post is beautiful in my opinion. Reading music is similar to learning a new language. While you may learn the mechanics in an afternoon in you tube, it is not something that you can easily master in an afternoon. The reading and writing of music is similar to the mastery of another language. i would not have been accepted to Indian without the ability to read music.
Yes, it is focused on classical music. Reading is required.
As a professional…
reading might… be required ?!?!?!?! (by ear)
Opportunities…
Yes, Musical Theater is not something I would have been able to do without reading music. Both charts and notes. Reading a piano score in a cabaret type of environment is paramount.
You can’t know every tune. practicing the real book, or what ever fake book you can find is helpful.
I have also yelled out chords, and measure numbers in a pit. (The Wiz)
Yes, teaching theory is hard. It is not something easy to maser.
Your ear is still the best thing to train IMO. (or others)
We do and can communicate music through reading. We are still an oral culture from our genetics
I also do agree with Adam. Learning to read & write music was one of the best things I have ever done in my life, even during the times that I was not a professional. Learning to think in another way, and potentially relate to things or problems in an alternate view was the best thing I have ever done in my entire life, at 50 years old.
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Just so I am not in an echo chamber…
Also, to refute the myth of the very first link, check out Leon Q. Allen.
He is one musician I can honestly say “Hot Damn!” every time. Also, layering man. You Got 2 Layer.!.!.!
Find him here. Seriously.