This is an extremely funny video that points out, far better than a case study ever could, how classical music serves as the underpinning for much of the music we know – regardless of genre!
Mr. Rob Paravonian covers a lot of ground in this video, beginning with the grudge cellists everywhere hold for Pachelbel’s Canon in D (for good reason) and quickly moving into a barrage of music of all stripes that can trace lineage to said Canon. Embedded in the humor is a nugget of truth that is difficult to ignore.
The topic comes up quite frequently: how helpful is classical training in music if you want to play <fill in the blank>? Well…pretty helpful, actually. Whatever your age or music-making interests, an investment in classical training can pay huge dividends.
Plato had his critics, but on this, he couldn’t have been more correct.
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”
Plato
What more can be said? May your music give wings to your mind, flight to your imagination, and charm and gaiety to your life.
I’ve been intending to write a “look ahead” since the month began, pointing to the promise of the new year…musically speaking, of course. Before we begin, though, a quick review is in order.
Mark posted a very nice article here at the beginning of last year. (Go ahead, click the link in the previous sentence and read the article; I’ll wait right here. :-D) The three key points he hit were:
1. What’s done is done
2. Look for the opening(s)
3. Set realistic goals and GO FOR THEM
While I think he covered the top 3 quite well, I’d also like to add the following as an important fourth point:
4. Don’t be afraid to adjust your plan
Goals are wonderful things, and please don’t take this as license to scrap a goal every time things get tough…but life has a way of changing around us. If we don’t adapt as our situation changes, it’s a recipe for frustration. So set your goals, large and small, and by all means work diligently to achieve them! But take the time to periodically re-examine them to see if they still make sense…and if not, change them so that they do. Be honest with yourself, mix equal parts realism and optimism, and get busy! This year has such wonderful potential for you as a Part-Time Musician; help yourself make the most of it. :-)
Wishing you all a very musical year,
Kathy
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It’s no secret that music in movies can not only make a movie, but can inspire us as musicians to reach deeper, practice harder, and play better long after we walk out of the theater. I have a long list of movie scores that inspire me personally, and I’ll bet you do, too. Tron: Legacy is the latest, and here’s why.
French duo Daft Punk composed the soundtrack, and while the original Tron soundtrack from 1982 tried hard to be “techno-pop”, this one seamlessly incorporates the “tech sound” with an 85-piece orchestra. The result is gorgeous, feeling right in the movie, in the videogame (yes, we now own it as well), and in passive-listening-mode at home and in the car. They just nailed it.
Here’s what may be the sweetest part: right now, it’s only $4.99 for the entire MP3 album! To browse, take a test listen, or to buy, click the link below. (Warning: amazing music follows!)
Don’t say I didn’t warn you. More movie music reviews to follow. Remember, good music and inspiration are where you find them!
As the parent of some very talented musicians (as many of us are!), I am always interested to see news of educational opportunities for future generations of musicians, part-time or otherwise. As such this tidbit really caught my eye.
New Music School?
This article from our friends at Just So You Know claims that Michael Jackson’s former residence/compound, Neverland Ranch, could become a top-notch music school. Colony Capital, now owner of the King of Pop’s expansive property, has filed plans with Santa Barbara County and awaits approval, but it’s difficult (for me, at least) to envision a better use for the place or a nicer tribute. The intention is to develop a school of Juilliard’s reputation on the other side of the country. So…why not?
Assuming they can pull it off, and once the required investments are made and leading teaching talent assembled, would you encourage your kids to attend? Would you steer clear until the school’s (and not just its teachers’) reputation is established? Or does the idea of another music school just leave you shaking your head, wondering where all the graduates will go for work? :-)
Drop us a line or post a comment below. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Orchestra, Videos | Mark January 20, 2011 | 
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More movie music reviews to follow. Remember, good music and inspiration are where you find them!
