Photography byyuan2003

Beginning with this article, I would like to ignite a feature here on TGM to showcase some of my favorite, and in my opinion most recognized songs, pieces, musical performances and artists in the world.

The point of it is to bring you closer to the world of music as it is recognized by fellow musicians world-wide, as well as build up a set of pieces “everyone should know about”. Knowing a bit about music history gives us enormous perspective of our own work, plus takes you a long way in conversations.

It’s a part of our culture, and I invite all of you to join me in discovering these pieces, their backgrounds, and hopefully we can share some insights, opinions and knowledge in the time to come.

Here’s the current list of features:

The Queen of The Night from The Magic Flute – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Chitlins Con Carne – Kenny Burrell

Post from: The Good Musician

What sets Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits apart from you? Well, he was lucky.

Most famous musicians were lucky somewhere down the road. But so was Britney, and I will not begin calling here a musician just yet. As a musician, Knopfler was a heroic master of the guitar, and played so well not only because he practiced for hours a day, but because he had a great intrinsic knowledge of musical theory.

Music theory and the entire science of music is often what most hobby musicians love to shun. But it is what may set you apart, what will increase your enjoyment of music and what will in the end empower you to be creative.

We’re talking scientific competence here, and there are a few key points you need to develop:

1. Music Theory: We’ve spoken about this many times, but I will wash, rinse, repeat – knowing your music theory is knowing what you’re playing. You may want to start here.

2. Music history: The origins and development of music are equally important. Know the roots of what you’re playing, know it’s historic context. Did you know that Beethoven’s 9th was one of the first symphonies ever to include a choir? It sparked a revolution. Wikipedia often helps.

3. Practice methodology:If you practice how to practice, you’ll practice better. Methodic and systematic practice will yield results faster, more efficiently, and will thus let you advance at a higher peace with ease. Stop wasting time doodling around and work on what you’re supposed to work.

4. Instrumental Physics: Learn enough about your instrument to be able to explain how it works to someone who knows little to nothing about music. A scientific understanding for what’s going on when you make or listen to music will make your approach to music as such much more diverse and deep. A good starting point is here.

You get the general idea. Everything that’s methodic, theoretical or subject-related is of relevance to your scientific competence of music. Build your knowledge and then take personal stance towards it.

Be critical: Question your instrument and your practice methods, confront your teacher and the local guitar shop.

Post from: The Good Musician