Blog #3
After reading the Braxton article I was a little frustrated and confused. I have known music only in standard notation and nothing else and looking at some of these notation style makes me a little frustrated. I am asking myself how someone can see/play music from these notation styles. At the beginning of the article Braxton shows us some of the new ways he writes notes or sounds on a page. Why not stick to the way it has always been done? I understand that this is for an improvisation style of music, but I still dont really like it. What this is showing is that I could potentially write random designs out make it into a improvisation notation and for some reason that takes the fun out of it for me. I suppose that since I listen to very structured and tight sounding music I like a notation system that is easy to understand and is known by all.
Also a point Braxton made was that a lot of notation inspires improvisation. I agree with this, but I also feel that most people start out improving when writing music. I feel like this whole discussion about notations is very individualized to the person talking about it. I would say that I am the complete opposite of Braxton. I like standard notation because it is understood and I feel like standard notation give enough to allow for great improvisation. I dont need to draw a picture, or complete a new notation to be able to improv. Who knows!
I am truly confused and frustrated with the article so I will leave it with the idea that innovative notation styles are very individualized and not for everyone. However, I accept that some people are searching for more and that standard notation is not for everyone either. PHEW!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Broken leg = MORE IMPROV!
Blog #2
I have been a little behind on my blogging the last couple weeks. However I had an experience in class that I wanted to talk about regarding improving.
A few weeks ago I fractured a bone in my knee and being that I am a drummer I tend to use both legs, one for a hi-hat and a the other for a kick pedal. Like everyone else in class I had a chance to play with another member of class. I could have used a set on bongos, or something else not involving my feet but instead I decided to bring in a small drum pad with foot pedals and try it one footed. I never imagined how difficult it was to get into a smooth rythym only using one leg.
It takes a lot of time in general to be comfortable playing any instrument with confidence but when I took away my right leg (kick pedal) and played the kick pedal with my left it brought in a whole new world of technique. I started noticing that I was back to a simple beat on the bass drum while my arms tried to make up the difference for the missing leg. I seemed to be completely improving everything I played because nothing felt familiar to me. I felt like I was learning the drums all over again. I kept wanting to use my right leg but I obviously couldnt.
I feel like if a guitarist broke a finger or something that would be similar. I am not saying that breaking body parts is the way to go, but I am saying that this minor injury opened my eyes up to how a small change in a regular form can allow you to improv a lot easier. Once I get my leg back I may try doing other things to change it up like removing a few toms from my kit, or playing hi hat with my right leg and the bass with my left. It could either be very annoying, or I could love it. It could even be a good practicing technique to become a better drummer. Who knows!
I have been a little behind on my blogging the last couple weeks. However I had an experience in class that I wanted to talk about regarding improving.
A few weeks ago I fractured a bone in my knee and being that I am a drummer I tend to use both legs, one for a hi-hat and a the other for a kick pedal. Like everyone else in class I had a chance to play with another member of class. I could have used a set on bongos, or something else not involving my feet but instead I decided to bring in a small drum pad with foot pedals and try it one footed. I never imagined how difficult it was to get into a smooth rythym only using one leg.
It takes a lot of time in general to be comfortable playing any instrument with confidence but when I took away my right leg (kick pedal) and played the kick pedal with my left it brought in a whole new world of technique. I started noticing that I was back to a simple beat on the bass drum while my arms tried to make up the difference for the missing leg. I seemed to be completely improving everything I played because nothing felt familiar to me. I felt like I was learning the drums all over again. I kept wanting to use my right leg but I obviously couldnt.
I feel like if a guitarist broke a finger or something that would be similar. I am not saying that breaking body parts is the way to go, but I am saying that this minor injury opened my eyes up to how a small change in a regular form can allow you to improv a lot easier. Once I get my leg back I may try doing other things to change it up like removing a few toms from my kit, or playing hi hat with my right leg and the bass with my left. It could either be very annoying, or I could love it. It could even be a good practicing technique to become a better drummer. Who knows!
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