The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

I have heard that the Boom Town Rats,  Sex Pistols and Pet Shop Boys cant read or write music, they just play by ear...is this true?
Regards 
Dmanx

> 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).
>
>:-)
>
>
>
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