Epic idea(s)!
August 10, 2010 14 Comments
I’ve decided I am definitely adding “music studies” to my daily routine. I really want to teach what I know, but I need to brush up on the theory side of things 
. What I’m going for is to post easy to follow music lessons that teach the fundamentals of theory in a way that’s fun and memorable. I’ll basically cover a single topic per video, then after I finish a “series” of topics, post a recap video showing how they relate and build off each other.
My goal is to make this accessible to anyone, but useful and refreshing to those who do have a beginning-intermediate understanding.
The bulk of my knowledge comes from taking AP music theory in high school, and music fundamentals in college(basically a repeat of the high school course). But over the years various teachers/books have helped me apply that knowledge to various instruments.
Speaking of instruments, it is now time to reveal one of my crazy “world domination” goals . It’s true that every instrument is unique, but I think there is a universal way when it comes to -approaching- any instrument. The first part of this way is believing in your capacity to play anything. Without this you’ll never make it to the “trying” phase 
. And without trying, there won’t be any doing. So that being said, if you want to play an instrument.. stop thinking that you can’t or that it’s too late. Instead of these negative thoughts, imagine yourself playing whatever instrument it is perfectly, hitting every note. You could envision a stage in front of thousands, or just playing in a room by yourself. Also visualize how the instrument has become an extension of your body/mind rather than an awkward, clunky object.
This kind of visualization/meditation makes you excited to go pick up the guitar/bang on the drums/blow through a trumpet…even if you’re a complete noob, getting excited and -wanting- something is the first step towards mastery.
Basically one of my goals as an individual is to master this “way” and be able to teach it from experience!
Well, after that dose of musical zen, it’s time to go play some bass .
About themusicbucket
Word. I’ve been wanting to start playing the keyboard FOREVER! I’ve been talking about it, looking at them in stores, thinking about it but… I never made moves (this has been going on since i was in Taiwan). Like I said before my roommate has a studio and now I have access to keyboards. I can start tomorrow!
And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Thanks for the kick in the pants.
When I cover the basics of note-reading I’ll be using a keyboard a lot because it’s a good way to visualize chords/key signatures. It’s also really good first instrument! And now with midi and stuff the possibilities are infinite.
I took a piano class for 3 years in high school…but I SUCK considering the amount of time I spent on it lol. I’ll be starting back at the basics on my piano playing too during all this…so perhaps I could teach as I learn
?
I’m a decent pianist. Actually pianist sounds too fancy for my skills so I’m going to go with piano player. I could throw up a few lessons on that too.
Great post. I like the idea, it could help me greatly. I’m interested in music theory but haven’t had any luck getting started with learning it with good resources and things. I consider myself one of those guys like Dave Mustaine (not comparing my skills to him in any way)–I don’t know a thing about the theory behind what I’m doing, but I’m doing it haha.
It’s really not -necessary- to know theory..but some theory concepts do help when improvising/composing. It also helps you recognize patterns. I hope what I post will be helpful
.(Though it’ll prolly be a bit before I get em up.)
Same here. I play and figure out the guitar sort of on my own. It’s been okay so far.
Can’t wait for the music lessons! You obviously have the necessary credentials.
Love the world-domination goal. From what I understand, it’s basically the “meta-skill” to approaching musical instruments. I can see it now: “Musical Zen: The Way of the (Rock Star/Musician?)”.
I can’t help but notice the unique qualities we all seem to bring to the table. I can’t help but see a “Pwning Life Squad” almost as some sort of (Pwning) Life Coach Team. haha
This is sweet, seems like most of the Pwning Life crew is into music, I’m tryin to get back into guitar and Im feelin motivated already to go dust off my Ibanez and get crackin. Oh and buy a better guitar than an Ibanez lol.
PFFT!!!
Ibanez is awesome
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Well, I should clarify…ibanez -can- be awesome haha. Realized my comment might’ve sounded spiteful :/. What kind of ibanez/amp do you have?
Hmm, the Ibanez, I’ll have to get back to you on, I have a basic 30w Crate amp w/ some built in effects. It’s not the best setup but once I got spare change I’ll probably pickup a Les Paul of some sort. I also dig B.C. Rich for it’s style so maybe one of those.
I’m planning on attempting to pickup one song per week as part of my pwning life goals. I may not be great now but at least if I keep chipping away at it I’ll develop the skill a little bit at least.
Totally spot on about the first step in approaching a musical instrument. I’d even take it a step further and say that you have to believe that you can play that instrument even without lessons. That’s where mojo comes from.
Same thing with dance. The first step isn’t to sign up for a class; the first step is to believe in your mojo and step to the beat. You can take classes if you wanna take your mojo to the next level, but they’re worthless if you haven’t found the mojo.
I think that a good instructor can help early on. I do agree though that it’s important to have that inner drive and conviction that you can do it yourself.
Also, bad teachers can really un-inspire you :/, so if it’s the choice between a bad teacher or none, go with none. Plenty of stuff for free online
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