On Tuesday, January 28, 2003, at 04:28 PM, Bruce Wahler wrote:
>
>
>> I like ambient dance/trance and experimental electronics sounds.I
>> like using an150/reaktor/reason.I just mess with sounds and create
>> interesting noises and generate paterns/sequences and it into
>> somthing interesting or may be an intrumental peace of music.But
>> please advise if you think my approach is wrong.
>
> Your approach isn't "wrong," but it is limited in scope. Using
> musical tools without understanding the musical "rules" sometimes
> creates music; other times, it only creates noise, or maybe, one
> memorable lick. Really memorable music -- of any genre, including
> ambient -- is a journey of sorts: it has a beginning, a middle, and
> an end. The tools you list are great at providing the "middle" of a
> song, but they don't do as well with the beginning and the end, unless
> you count happy accidents along the way. Understanding the theory
> behind music helps to make the journey quicker and more productive.
>
What a great thread- I've really enjoyed reading Bruce's thoughts on
this. They are well thought out and expressed, and based on experience
from the sound of them (thanks for sharing Bruce).
However- I like to think of theory and music as having "relationships"
and not "rules".
(although 4 part chorale voicing has "rules" and is restrictive I
suppose).
I like to say music theory can provide insight into tonal relationships
- and not "rules" per say.
I'd hate to think what would happen to music if musicians listened to
"rules"- like the church had when they said never use the triad
"Devil's interval".
What would music be like in India if they adhered to a twelve tone
system?(shudder)....
I always get really guarded when folks talk about music education
because I've been privy to too many instances where Theory savvy
musicians look down on other musicians (I called them Classical
Elitists when I was a kid).
Dmanx- Theory can open you up to other perspectives on music.
I think Bruce agrees that it is a tool that can empower you.
Personally- I wish I knew more...but right now I know enough to be
happy and creative.
So if you find it "Complex, & frustrating" right now - don't sweat
it.... you can make music just as you are doing right now- and look at
Theory & reading notation later (I felt the same way about Theory
myself).
I try not to look at it as "restrictive"- just another perspective that
cannot harm me (or turn me into an Elitist).
:-)