Dear Susan,
Although I'm the one whose post started this discussion, I do agree
with you. I do see the benefit of (excellent) reading skills. I did
before my post and I do even more so now. (See how much I'm learning
from all you wonderful people!)
However, I also think that the ability to read music doesn't make or
break a serious musician.
Music originated without notation. We, in the modern world, use
writing to pass the message on and make sure everybody knows what that
message is. But writing is only one way to do that.
We use writing to pass a musical message on, just like we use it to
pass other messages, like say, world news, on.
Blind or illiterate people don't understand these messages. Does that
mean they can't learn the world news? They can! Through so many other
means of communication.
In my opinion, it is the same with music. Sure, when you can read the
notes etc. and therefore get a pretty good picture of the composer's
intentions, that's a definite plus. But I do not think it's all that
necessary.
What about all those greatly gifted jazz and blues musicians? There
are lots of people in that league with no reading skills whatsoever.
And they're definitely being considered serious musicians.
Musicality is a talent, a gift. Anyone can learn to play an
instrument, be it a piano or the voice or any other kind. I believe
that everybody can learn to play. But not everybody is talented.
Hearing differs, as does understanding and memory. I believe that
talented people have less need for the paperwork. By which I do NOT
mean that those who do need it and depend on it are not talented or
gifted in any way. I simply believe there is a difference in need.
The art of music to me is in the sound, the performance and even the
musician. The art of music to me can not be found on any piece of
paper.
But hey, I could be wrong....
:-))
Nande
--- In vocalist-temporary@y..., "SMSchneider" <vocalist-temporary@y..., "SMSchneider" < > OK, guys, I don't want to get off on a rant here, but it frightens
me for
> the future of classical music that so many of us are so "dumbed
down" that
> we don't even have a distant vision of the benefits of having basic
skills.
> How can having the best skills you can develop NOT make you a better
> performer? Why do you think instrumentalists laugh at singers?
Being a
> *musician* on any instrument, especially voice, is hard. That's the
way it
> is. Get your skills together as far as your ability will take you,
and stop
> denigrating their importance just because you don't see it. Or
learn to see
> where they can take you and get to work. Once you start to develop
the
> skills, you'll see their importance more and more clearly because
using
> those skills will make you perform at new levels of expression and
> intelligence. It's not just about being able to sing a piece at
sight.
> That's only the beginning.
>
> Susan Schneider
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