I think too much disecting is what creates these debates and arguments and I think there was a time in all formerly trained musicians/instrumentalists/vocalists lives where they resented the fact that various artificial forms were introduced into the performance creating shortcuts to the final product when they have taken so much time and effort to develop themselves.

QUOTE: What I object to, is using technology as a crutch so as not to have to learn your craft; using smoke and mirrors to convince an audience that they are listening to an ARTIST perform...

REPLY: Much of my personal time is used in going out and listening to live music, enjoying all kinds of styles.
The audiences don't want to be convinced that they are listening to an ARTIST, if they did, what would stop them from taking this mentality 1 step further, saying "You are not really Elvis, so why are you trying to play and sing his song, go back to acting school, you stink"?

Quote:
What saddens me most though, is the attitude that "entertainment" is intrinsicly more valuable than the art form itself.

REPLY: It isn't, in some settings or circles of interests. If the focus at a musical event is a setting where everyone take their seats, quiet, the performance is starting, "can I have everyone's attention"....etc, the public came in to hear a performance by an artist and thats what they expect.

It saddens me to hear excuses like "make a living and support his family"; but the fact is, there are many ways to make a living and support your family, you CHOSE music. Doesn't that require that you learn your craft...

REPLY: Again, in some circles, specific circumstances, yes. And many learn there craft extremely well but every situation they participates in does not call for it to be excercised

QUOTE: There is story of a not very talented opera singer who was scheduled to play at a very famous opera house in Italy. Although nervous about how he would be received by such a sophisticated audience, he bravely sang his aria and was amazed by a standing ovation. After the third encore, he humbly begged off doing another when a man in the audience stood up, waved his fist in the air and said, "YOU'LL SING IT....UNTIL YOU LEARN IT".

REPLY: Thats a specific setting that takes on a specific requirement for the audience, requires/demands that you be at the top, a master of that craft.

QUOTE: Hey, all audiences aren't idiots...better prepare for the day when you run into one.

REPLY: Most likely will not run into an audience like that, maybe an individual or 2. And many here are prepared to where they break away from what the majority there are into, and perform something for that individual or 2. For instance, I may play Tico Tico using 64ths instead of more common 32nds.
Then quickly get back to what the majority are there for, before they walk out and the employer throws me out.

So many different venues with so many different audiences and so many different expectations.
Find the type you like which corresponds to your expectations and have fun.


PS
Well said, good points Spalding and Gary.



[This message has been edited by MrEd (edited 08-19-2006).]