Music videogames stir strong opinions in some musicians, and Part-Time Musicians (PTMs) as a group are no exception. But with the latest round of gameplay improvements and controller updates, have we now reached the point where playing a music videogame can really improve our music-making skills?
This is a large topic that can be approached from several perspectives, and we’ve covered two of those before (see From virtual musician to real musician and Videogaming helps your mad music-making skillz!), but this zeroes in on the typical configurations that are seen in most homes – or the setups that the Rock Band folks hope soon will be.
In this article from our friends at cnet, Dan Ackerman puts Rock Band 3 to the test and finds that it comes very close to the “real thing”. And while they take a slightly different tack, Dan notes that the people behind First Act are working to close the gap between “play music” and playing music, too. It’s a great article that has had me mulling since I first saw it, and I suspect it will you, too.
So what do you think? Will music videogames eventually get to the point where (we) real musicians use them as a training aid? Or will adding sophistication spoil the fun for the larger market and kill the games before we get there? Are we already there? 
Drop us a line and share your thoughts! And whether you take an occasional videogame break or not, keep that music coming…
All the best,
Mark
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Tags: better, controller, First Act, game, instrument, play, Rock Band, video, videogame
General, Guitar, Learning, News, Percussion | Mark September 8, 2010 | 
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Although it has no attribution, this quote was too good not to share.
“Play the music, not the instrument.”
It’s rich with meaning, isn’t it?
As you play – regardless of instrument, technique, or venue – remember that it’s the music that you’re playing.
All the best,
Mark
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If you’re feeling a bit stale in your musical explorations, here’s an idea to spice things up: pick up a new instrument.
No, I’m not talking about expanding your collection of axes with “yet-another-one-of-a-kind” that differs from your others only by serial number or label year and puts you on the outs with your spouse…not that I would know anything about that. :-) I’m talking about a different instrument.
Our friends over at Making Music Magazine – one of your PartTimeMusician.com ad partners! – published this article pointing out how picking up a second instrument that is related to one you already know can expand your horizons and breathe new life into your music. It’s well worth the read.
A word of caution from someone who is a multi-instrumentalist, though: take care not to spread yourself too thin. The old expression “jack of all trades and master of none” was coined for a reason, and trying to do too many things often results in doing nothing well. If you feel yourself getting discouraged with your progress on either instrument, refocus…and remind yourself that it’s all good.
Taking up a second instrument can indeed broaden your horizons and rejuvenate your music-making, and choosing an instrument similar to one you already know allows you to apply your growth to both. If you’re stuck in a rut on your musical path, consider branching out with a second instrument. You just might rediscover what made you fall in love with playing music in the first place.
All the best,
Mark
P.S. – If you’re a multi-instrumentalist already or are considering becoming one, please leave a comment below or drop us a line; we’d love to hear your thoughts. The more we (all) share, the more we (all) know!
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Those of us who have begun studying a new instrument as an adult realize just how challenging it can be. The greater the challenges, though, the greater the rewards!
This article from our friends at The Violin Case highlights some of the health (“good for you”) benefits of playing music…and some of the just-plain-fun aspects, too. While the article speaks primarily of fine stringed instruments, the benefits apply regardless of your choice of axe. 
If you’ve been wondering if you’re too old to learn a new instrument – perhaps one you’ve longed to play since you were a child – wonder no longer! You are never too old to learn if the desire is there. The fact that it’s good for you is just icing on the cake.
All the best to you in your musical journey,
Mark
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Tags: adult, benefits, brain, health, instrument, Learning, music, new, social
Learning, Music and Health | Mark September 15, 2009 |
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Please welcome Ultra-Pure Oils as your newest PartTimeMusician.com advertiser!
Since everyone’s combination of body chemistry and equipment is unique, there is a need in the marketplace for more than one superb oil and slide lube. Ultra-Pure offers a line of great products that is synthetic, odorless, and non-toxic…and is endorsed by many world-renowned players.
If you’re in the market for a top-quality valve oil or slide lube, check them out by clicking the Ultra-Pure Oils picture above or the ad in the right column! And tell ‘em Mark sent you.
Keep playing,
Mark
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Tags: instrument, lube, lubricant, new advertiser, oil, slide, Ultra-Pure Oils, valve
Brass, Gear, General | Mark August 24, 2009 |
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