Why don't musicians discuss music with each other?

Posted by: Mark79100

Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/03/17 11:19 PM

I've often wondered about "Why don't musicians discuss music with each other?"

Chas wrote in another thread:

"this 'Entertainer vs Musician' subject is broached quite often but hardly ever by musicians - wonder why?"

I ask (and probably asked previously) why is it that musicians don't hardly ever discuss music with other musicians. They'll discuss a new keyboard until the cows come home, but......never anything about how they're making actual music on those new keyboards.

I've been playing 50 years and can only recall once having a normal conversation with this organ player about what he was doing on his board....his jazz and rock runs, fingering, chord progressions, chord structures, song selections, etc.

I've been thinking about this lately because my new neighbor's daughter plays the violin and one day I sat down with her and we talked about everything musical.....playing our separate instruments, we watched each other's Youtube video's, talked about Classical music, how the violin is played vs the piano, ideas for playing songs, etc. That was one of the best social sit-downs I ever had.

So why do you think that is, that adult musicians don't discuss their playing with others?
------------------------------------
First man said to the second man: "For $100 I'll answer any two questions about anything. Second man replies: "Isn't $100 a bit much?" First man: "Yes, now what is your second question?"

(corny as Kellogs Corn Flakes!......but cute)
Posted by: Bernie9

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/04/17 03:52 AM

Yes, it seems as though this is an avoided subject and a privately held secret. However, I will jump in, nonetheless.

I started with the organ many years ago and am used to playing with sound on both hands. I know, however, many in split keyboard mode, excluding manual bass, use the left hand used mainly for chord designation and button pushing.

To me, there are pros and cons. I don't simply hold a sustaining chord, but work it in many ways from leading to the next chord progression to comping brass. Obviously, the chord memory is there to allow one to lift the hand with no interruption to the style, freeing it up. If I use piano, no problem, but organ sustains, making it trickier to interrupt without being noticeable.

OOH when I use a busier accomp, I suppose I really don't need LH sound, but I remember the original brass stabs, e.g. and it adds authenticity. One thing is sure, and that is I wouldn't have to pre-plan registrations as much If I didn't strap my LH to the keyboard, but give up some sound.
Posted by: Dnj

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/04/17 04:15 AM

the question should be "Why don't musicians share their music recordings & videos?"
Posted by: zuki

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/04/17 06:21 AM

Originally Posted By Dnj
the question should be "Why don't musicians share their music recordings & videos?"


Amen....
Posted by: DonM

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/04/17 06:24 AM

They do, just not here so much.
Posted by: travlin'easy

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/04/17 08:18 AM

Originally Posted By Dnj
the question should be "Why don't musicians share their music recordings & videos?"


They do - just not on this forum.

Gary cool
Posted by: Bernie9

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/04/17 02:45 PM

And on it goes with no one .except me. willing to discuss music-so much for that.
Posted by: bruno123

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/05/17 09:28 AM

Very much like Bernie I come from an organ background. My left hand is almost as important as my right. My left hand is my foundation when I am singing and soloing; my voice and solo is dependent on it. There are times when left and right hand work against each other creating and hiding the boredom of the style.

If he left is not used you must depend the style which says the same thing over and over.

I will be posting some of my older recordings. Right now I am trying to get used to listening to my senior voice.
John C.
Posted by: btweengigs

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/05/17 09:43 AM

Your "senior voice" is just fine John.
E
Posted by: montunoman

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/05/17 01:31 PM

Actually I do talk about all sorts of musical things with my musician friends in real life. Everything from technique to who we are listening to. Here on SZ it seems the topics of interest are mostly about gear. Nothing really wrong with that....

As to why more people don't post more videos and recordings, well, maybe some are embarrassed? Also it can be kinda of frustrating when someone shares their recording or video, and they get very few comments. I know because that has happened to me. I try not to take it personally, but I feel like why even bother sharing if hardly any comments but so many view.
Posted by: montunoman

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/05/17 01:35 PM

Originally Posted By Bernie9
Yes, it seems as though this is an avoided subject and a privately held secret. However, I will jump in, nonetheless.

I started with the organ many years ago and am used to playing with sound on both hands. I know, however, many in split keyboard mode, excluding manual bass, use the left hand used mainly for chord designation and button pushing.

To me, there are pros and cons. I don't simply hold a sustaining chord, but work it in many ways from leading to the next chord progression to comping brass. Obviously, the chord memory is there to allow one to lift the hand with no interruption to the style, freeing it up. If I use piano, no problem, but organ sustains, making it trickier to interrupt without being noticeable.

OOH when I use a busier accomp, I suppose I really don't need LH sound, but I remember the original brass stabs, e.g. and it adds authenticity. One thing is sure, and that is I wouldn't have to pre-plan registrations as much If I didn't strap my LH to the keyboard, but give up some sound.


That's one thing that I really enjoy about Rico's playing is his left hand comping. It's gives the music more feel I think.
Posted by: Bernie9

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/05/17 01:49 PM

Thank you for the affirmation, Montunoman. You are a fine musician who's opinions are always valued.
Posted by: Steve A

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/05/17 02:49 PM

Originally Posted By Bernie9
And on it goes with no one .except me. willing to discuss music-so much for that.


Rude people here.....I will discuss music with you....

How 'bout them Beatles?
Posted by: Bernie9

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/06/17 02:08 AM

WHO ?
Just joking, but I was thinking in terms of methodology rather than artists. I guess "Michelle" is about the only one I use on a regular basis. Thanks for your courtesy though.
Posted by: montunoman

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/06/17 04:46 AM

Originally Posted By Bernie9
Thank you for the affirmation, Montunoman. You are a fine musician who's opinions are always valued.


Thanks Bernie, what a nice thing to say!
Posted by: DonM

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/06/17 07:07 AM

I'll discuss music. I found another chord last night. Had no idea there were more than three! This opens up a lot of new songs to me. smile I thought minors were little people too young to drink.
Somebody told me about something that was augmented, and it reminded me of an old girl friend. Diminished? Yes I am.
Posted by: Gunnar Jonny

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/06/17 07:22 AM

Originally Posted By DonM
...... Had no idea there were more than three!....

Heyyyy, there are only two, minor and major.... wink
Posted by: Bill Lewis

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/07/17 10:50 AM

Been meaning to post a reply to this but Bernie's thoughts on LH accompaniment with and Arranger got me thinking. So i conjunction with prepping for a dinner gig this weekend I've been trying some things on my BK9 that I've neglected. And in the precess I've discovered a new way to switch sounds faster. I rarely do much button pushing when playong but have learned some new tricks in the past fe days. Stilll squeezing new stuff from the "ancient" keyboard.
Thanks for getting the wheels turning Bernie.
Posted by: sparky589

Re: Why don't musicians discuss music with each other? - 12/07/17 05:09 PM

As far as posting performances, this can be an encouraging or discouraging crowd on a given day..I believe some post out of pride in their accomplishments; occasionally others simply have egos to feed. More still save it for their live audiences, their real target. Like it or not, it's their evaluation that can make or break you.
Personally, there is much to be learned here, but I take no comfort in competing with knowledge or skill levels of others on this forum. Its not what I'm here for.