Andi
TIPSY
Composing Again
Posts: 19
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Post by Andi on Jun 19, 2004 12:43:18 GMT
Theory set TWO, by Andi.
Always READ THE MUSIC, from beginner onward. This may sound daft and obvious, but how many of you who play tunes don't read the music once you THINK you know the tune? Or, if you do glance at the music thereafter, who among you don't take much notice as to whether you are supposed to be playing a 'g' gracenote or a doubling. More of you than care to admit, I know from experience. If you are taking your reading seriously, good on you, it'll help you play better, read new tunes better, quicker and more confidently, as well as inspire lesser players to follow your example. That is, if you care to let people know that is what makes you are a better than ordinary piper.
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Post by Tee90 on Jun 24, 2004 0:40:41 GMT
Hi Andi,
Excellent point. As a guitar player of 26 years before taking up piping - I have a fair ear and have played by it for yonks. (jeez I love TAB - it's been good to me!)
BUT I discovered to my HORROR that I would have to learn to sight-read "proper" music....in order to have any hope of mastering a pipe tune. (After all - there are only 9 notes to learn so that must leave plenty of brain capacity for music theory and ornaments.....hmmm)
So I must admit that my greatest triumph so far has been dipping my toe into music theory, timing and ESPECIALLY pipe ornaments. (seemed hard - but not when explained well)
Without learning these things you are consigning yourself to failure as a piper.
(By not learning from our mistakes - we have consigned ourselves to failure as a Nation - at least in football and politics - but we can still kick the world's arse when armed with a set of pipes and a tune that could bring a tear to a glass eye.)
Direct from a struggling beginner -
1. Get a good teacher. 2. Get a good chanter 3. Get a grip on sight-reading music
Epilogue: My wife has now noticed that when I'm not listening to her - I'm actually practicing grips and throws on any surface my fingers rest apoun. A pencil, the Trolley handle in Safeway, the car steering wheel.......I get slapped a lot for not listening but I think my Grips and throws are improving daily!
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