not learning anything about music or learning to play songs but playing an instrument

Burning Down · 08-16-2011, 09:27 AM

I can't say that I have insightful advice for you, as I'm the exact opposite! I learned all the theory first before picking up the flute (and guitar a couple of years later), and after I learned to play all sorts of classical stuff on flute, I practised improvisation (if that makes any sense LOL!). I must say that learning to make up my own stuff, even simple tunes, has made me a more well rounded musician, which in turn helped improve my grades in university.

What I learned though is that because I already played and memorized different patterns from various classical and jazz pieces, I was able to put my own spin on different melodies and such, thus improving my improv technique.

If you learn to read tablature, other people's songs can provide a lot of inspiration for yor own made-up tunes. Does that make any sense?

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08-16-2011, 09:27 AM	#12 (permalink)
Burning Down The Music Guru. Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Beyond the Wall Posts: 4,858	I can't say that I have insightful advice for you, as I'm the exact opposite! I learned all the theory first before picking up the flute (and guitar a couple of years later), and after I learned to play all sorts of classical stuff on flute, I practised improvisation (if that makes any sense LOL!). I must say that learning to make up my own stuff, even simple tunes, has made me a more well rounded musician, which in turn helped improve my grades in university. What I learned though is that because I already played and memorized different patterns from various classical and jazz pieces, I was able to put my own spin on different melodies and such, thus improving my improv technique. If you learn to read tablature, other people's songs can provide a lot of inspiration for yor own made-up tunes. Does that make any sense?