• A few steps on how YOU can become a better musician, or music 101
    40 replies, posted
Hello, my name is Dick Tracy and I wish to talk to you about how to become a better musician. I myself am an aspiring musician, and have been one for a little more than three months. I still have a lot to learn, but I wish to share some things that I have learned so far during my musical journey and I hope that some of these tips can help other aspiring musicians, new and old. If there is anything you like to add, or think there is something wrong with my statements please feel free to call me out on it! So, less about me and more about those tips&tricks! [b]Learn Music Theory[/b] I'm going to let wikipedia describe this for you, since they do a much better job than I could ever hope to do. [i]"Music theory is the study of how music works. It examines the language and notation of music. It seeks to identify patterns and structures in composers' techniques, across or within genres, styles, or historical periods. In a grand sense, music theory distills and analyzes the fundamental parameters or elements of music—rhythm, harmony (harmonic function), melody, structure, form, texture, etc. Broadly, music theory may include any statement, belief, or conception of or about music. A person who studies these properties is known as a music theorist. Some have applied acoustics, human physiology, and psychology to the explanation of how and why music is perceived."[/i] In short, music theory is the science on how music works. Some people argue that learning music theory will stunt your creativity, but I digress. It is just like math, or physics ; To understand how it works, you need to learn the basics. Music theory will not stunt your creativity, it will help you broaden your horizon, know what works and what doesn't. It also provides a common language for musicians of every proficency and instrument. There is no excuse to not learn it, in fact I have two sites that will help you learn the basics, and also provide some ear training. [url=http://www.musictheory.net/]Musictheory.net, a great site for those who want an easy way of learning the complicated ways of music.[/url] [url=http://www.teoriamusical.net/]teoriamusical.net, a site where you can train your ear to know what notes are being played. Also available in spanish AND portugese![/url] [b]Learn at least another instrument beyond your primary instrument.[/b] Not everyone may have the money to learn another instrument, but since you're reading this chances are you'll have at least some money. So, why is this necessary? Every instrument has a role in music. Some are primarily melodic instruments, while others are more of the type that stays in the background of music. Obviously, this is isn't set in stone and every instrument you can hope to find is capable of both being a melodic instrument and as a rhythm instrument. But I'm getting ahead of myself, my point is that knowing how to play more than one instrument is a great way of coming up with both melodic and rhythmic patterns. It also helps you build an understanding of the role of the various instruments that can be used while making music, and gives you a greater appreciation of how music is performed. Oh, and I also forgot ; It also gives you more opportunities at creating more varied music, or putting a more personal print on the music you are making. [b]Listen to a lot of music. Varied music.[/b] To be able to truly express yourself you must get a broader vocabulary. Listening to a broad spectrum of musical genres is not only a great way of keeping your creative juices flowing, it is also a great way of staying fresh. Imagine only having to eat one type of food for the rest of your life. At first, it might seem awesome ; Pizza everyday, who wouldn't want to have that opportunity? But after a few weeks, that pizza probably won't taste as great as it used to. So you spice it up, you put on stuff like tuna, chicken and what have you. It is different, yet familiar. And in the end, you're still just eating pizza. Only limiting yourself to one musical genre is doing yourself a great disfavour, you want to have pasta some days, and rice another day. Listening to music is very much the same. [b]Find people to jam with.[/b] Being able to make music by yourself is great, but having others to share the experience is at least twice the fun! Having someone (or a few) to jam with is a great way to further propel your creatistic visions to another level. It also helps tremendeously to be able to throw some ideas between one and another, maybe your friend has a great way of gluing two riffs together while you have a killer melody to lay on top of his rhythm? This point is sort of a mix between all of the three points mentioned before, since every person is enjoying different music. This is a good thing though, if everyone were the same it would be a pretty boring world, don't you think? [b]Learn how to sing.[/b] This one is perhaps not as important as the others, but if you're ever playing in a band you will want to know how to at least hold a tone without cracking up. Why is this important? Well, vocal harmonies is a powerful tool that can really make or break a song, and who knows ; Maybe one day you'll want to add vocals on a track of yours? This will also help you when(if) you start to write lyrics, since you can easier find a melody that fits the vocals if you can actually sing it. Plus, chicks dig people who can sing. [b]Don't be lazy, don't use excuses.[/b] There are plenty of variations on "excuses are like..." so I'll just skip that part and get to the point. Excusing your art is just a cheap way of building a barrier between your feelings and whoever is listening to your music. Don't use excuses, take pride in your work and if people don't like it, fine. You can't please everybody, just remember to stay true to yourself. [b]Know how to take constructive (and sometimes not as constructive) criticism.[/b] As an artist, you'll never ever get to a point of perfection. You'll always have room to improve, and people will always criticize. Sometimes it is warranted and constructive, and sometimes it's not. Don't forget that those that comment on your work has taken time out of their life to listen to your music (and in the cases of constructive criticism) to help you in your journey. They might not always be right, but this doesn't mean you shouldn't listen to them. As they have taken time of their life, you should take some time out of your life to try and understand why they are feeling the way they do. [b]Don't be afraid of doing mistakes, and don't be afraid of not always making the perfect song.[/b] Not everyone is perfect. In fact, noone is perfect. And the same goes for songs, there is no such thing as the perfect song, and you must come to a realization that not every song will be a hit. It is OK to make songs that could be considered sub-par, because it is only through making mistakes that you learn. There will come a time when nothing seems to work, where the riffs you come up with doesn't make you want to bang your head and that's ok, keep pushing to finish the track. There is one thing that can really shine through a song, and that is effort. It is better to have a few mediocre tracks where you know that you pushed yourself to make it rather than one good track and an untold amount of unfinished work, because as mentioned earlier there is no such thing as perfection and you can only grow if you keep working your craft. You learn as you do, and there is no better way to do than to complete the songs you're working on. With that said, you shouldn't fear letting go of songs. Sometimes it just doesn't work, and taking some time off to recharge your batteries can be a really good thing. Know your limitations, but don't fear stretching them either! [b]Do the music for yourself, not others.[/b] Music is, like other artistic ways of expressing yourself something personal. Making music even while doing it for a living or as a comission should be about you doing what you want. This might seem as a contradictionary point, and I may phrase it wrong but in the end music is all about you. Don't make music to impress others, make the music because you like what you do, and in the case of doing it for some sort of job ; Do it because you want to, not because you feel an obligation to do it for someone else. [b]Learn how to produce, master and mix your own music.[/b] A good mix can do wonders for the overall sound quality of a song, and a poor master can ruin a song. Knowing how to do even rudimentary mastering and mixing is perhaps not the most important of skills to know, but it can be extremely helpful to have that knowledge. And sound technicians will appreciate it if you can convey your ideas on how something should sound beyond "uh, I think it needs to sound better". [b]Have pride in what you do, and always remember to have fun![/b] Have confidence in yourself, this is probably the most important point of them all even though it is the last. Don't let the confidence become arrogance or obnoxious pride though, because there is a very fine line between confidence and arrogance. In the end, it is all about having fun and there will always be assholes who will try to rain on your parade, don't let them drag you down to their level. You have but one life, and you should strive to make the most out of it!
this is a very true guide for anyone out there actually wanting to be successful in music the most important note id say is having pride, and not being lazy; make the music for yourself and not for other people- and only release things when you feel yourself it is to the standard you want it to be released at (but i cant sing :( )
This is more for people who play acoustic music, and it's good at that. I don't really have use for instruments, since all electro house is is saw basses and more saw basses
[QUOTE=Croix;31294555]This is more for people who play acoustic music, and it's good at that. I don't really have use for instruments, since all electro house is is saw basses and more saw basses[/QUOTE] and it's exactly that attitude why electro house hasn't evolved for 10 years
This is a very good guide so props to you man :smile: I know the basics of music theory and what not, but thanks for providing those links. They'll definitely help in the long run.
OP thank you so much for musictheory.net It's making it a lot easier for me to understand time signatures.
None of this helps when you don't know anybody who can play along with you. :(
Being a musician does not inherently mean anyone else needs to be involved in your music.
[QUOTE=KmartSqrl;31295238]Being a musician does not inherently mean anyone else needs to be involved in your music.[/QUOTE]People you can play with leads to getting more money, and recording space. I have neither. The only thing I do is play on a set in a very non acoustic room and sometimes lay out drum covers with Audacity using a Rock band mic.
[QUOTE=Meatpuppet;31295271]People you can play with leads to getting more money, and recording space. I have neither. The only thing I do is play on a set in a very non acoustic room and sometimes lay out drum covers with Audacity using a Rock band mic.[/QUOTE] And because of that you can't learn music theory?
[QUOTE=Hakita;31295294]And because of that you can't learn music theory?[/QUOTE] I've read a couple of books on it.
[QUOTE=thisispain;31294569]and it's exactly that attitude why electro house hasn't evolved for 10 years[/QUOTE] I was kidding, besides it has definitely evolved. Compare Madeon to deadmau5
[QUOTE=Meatpuppet;31295271]People you can play with leads to getting more money[/QUOTE] Money is the absolute worst reason to do music. If you need more money to be able to do the things you want with your music you either aren't thinking creatively enough, or you need to find a way other than music to make that money, there is very little money in music lol.
Singing is very much useful, you say it's not as important but it's great to sing. You don't have to be good at it but it helps alot if you sing while playing.
Great post. I agree with everything you said. This section needs to emphasized in particular, I think: [QUOTE=Dick Tracy;31294248] [b]Know how to take constructive (and sometimes not as constructive) criticism.[/b] As an artist, you'll never ever get to a point of perfection. You'll always have room to improve, and people will always criticize. Sometimes it is warranted and constructive, and sometimes it's not. Don't forget that those that comment on your work has taken time out of their life to listen to your music (and in the cases of constructive criticism) to help you in your journey. They might not always be right, but this doesn't mean you shouldn't listen to them. As they have taken time of their life, you should take some time out of your life to try and understand why they are feeling the way they do. [/QUOTE] I see far too many people throwing away half-finished songs because they think they're "not good enough". You're never going to have a perfect composition, and even the most renowned songs ever made can be criticized on some level. Perfection as a concept is impossible to achieve, and as an artist, you have to be able to stop and know when it's good enough. You should still put 100% of yourself into your music, but throwing away songs is never the answer to improving yourself. I think it's relatively easy to tell when an artist has put effort into their music, and that's what [i]really[/i] matters in a field that's so incredibly subjective.
[QUOTE=Bobie;31294355]this is a very true guide for anyone out there actually wanting to be successful in music the most important note id say is having pride, and not being lazy; make the music for yourself and not for other people- and only release things when you feel yourself it is to the standard you want it to be released at (but i cant sing :( )[/QUOTE] That's a very good point, about making it for yourself and only letting it out when it is finally up to your standard. I'll add that one to the list, cheers. Don't worry about not being able to sing, it isn't too hard to learn the basics (breathing support being the most important one). I will see if I can find some solid sources on that. [QUOTE=Croix;31294555]This is more for people who play acoustic music, and it's good at that. I don't really have use for instruments, since all electro house is is saw basses and more saw basses[/QUOTE] I disagree, I think everything on the list can be applied to electronic music. In the end, they both share the same ancestor in music theory. =) [QUOTE=OneWar;31294855]This is a very good guide so props to you man :smile: I know the basics of music theory and what not, but thanks for providing those links. They'll definitely help in the long run.[/QUOTE] Thanks for the kind words, yes I hope they'll provide benefical for you. [QUOTE=Pasalaqcua;31294856]OP thank you so much for musictheory.net It's making it a lot easier for me to understand time signatures.[/QUOTE] You're very much welcome, anything to help the fine people of facepunch. =) [QUOTE=Meatpuppet;31295170]None of this helps when you don't know anybody who can play along with you. :([/QUOTE] Then get out there and get to know someone you can play along with! I forgot, but getting involved with the local music scene is definietly something you would want to do. You'll help them build up a fanbase and they'll hopefully return the favour since you've been so kind to support them. Plus you'll gain new friends, who all share a common interest. It's a win win situation! [editline]24th July 2011[/editline] [QUOTE=Z3r0747;31295745]Great post. I agree with everything you said. This section needs to emphasized in particular, I think: I see far too many people throwing away half-finished songs because they think they're "not good enough". You're never going to have a perfect composition, and even the most renowned songs ever made can be criticized on some level. Perfection as a concept is impossible to achieve, and as an artist, you have to be able to stop and know when it's good enough. You should still put 100% of yourself into your music, but throwing away songs is never the answer to improving yourself. I think it's relatively easy to tell when an artist has put effort into their music, and that's what [i]really[/i] matters in a field that's so incredibly subjective.[/QUOTE] Good point, I'll add something about that too. Thanks for the pointer man, appreciate it. =)
[QUOTE=KmartSqrl;31295652]Money is the absolute worst reason to do music. If you need more money to be able to do the things you want with your music you either aren't thinking creatively enough, or you need to find a way other than music to make that money, there is very little money in music lol.[/QUOTE]So I can get good recording hardware for free? Good instruments, books on instruments, lessons, for free? Good acoustic equipment for free?
[QUOTE=Meatpuppet;31295804]So I can get good recording hardware for free? Good instruments, books on instruments, lessons, for free? Good acoustic equipment for free?[/QUOTE] I do actually agree with this.
And another thing about music theory...it really is the universal language for music. It's not a set of "rules" as much as it is a set of "guidelines" and helpful pointers. All music, from traditional folk music to the most brutal of technical death metal uses musical theory. And I also see too many blowing it off as something unimportant because they think it doesn't apply to their specific style. [editline]23rd July 2011[/editline] [QUOTE=Meatpuppet;31295804]So I can get good recording hardware for free? Good instruments, books on instruments, lessons, for free? Good acoustic equipment for free?[/QUOTE] No. Nothing is free in this world, but you don't need much at all to get started making your own music. What he was saying is that it's extremely unlikely you're going to make any profit. You don't need extravagant multi-thousand-dollar setups to make decent recordings or produce quality material. A recording interface for your computer, with a DAW and some VSTs is enough to get started.
[QUOTE=Meatpuppet;31295804]So I can get good recording hardware for free? Good instruments, books on instruments, lessons, for free? Good acoustic equipment for free?[/QUOTE] There's no need to make strawmen, what he's saying is that money shouldn't be the sole reason why you are making music and only a select few can make a decent living out of their craft (even more so if you're doing original music), it is necessary to have money to get basic equipment though! I have added some more pointers now, it is getting a bit crowded though, I might have to do a complete rehaul to cut down on words and integrate some of the pointers. I would also like to thank everyone who has read it, especially those of you who have given some very much appreciated feedback ; It is extremely helpful!
[QUOTE=Dick Tracy;31296260]There's no need to make strawmen, what he's saying is that money shouldn't be the sole reason why you are making music and only a select few can make a decent living out of their craft (even more so if you're doing original music), it is necessary to have money to get basic equipment though! [/QUOTE] "If you need more money to be able to do the things you want with your music you either aren't thinking creatively enough, or you need to find a way other than music to make that money, there is very little money in music lol." I was replying to that.
[QUOTE=Meatpuppet;31296334]"If you need more money to be able to do the things you want with your music you either aren't thinking creatively enough, or you need to find a way other than music to make that money, there is very little money in music lol." I was replying to that.[/QUOTE] He is in no way implying that things are free or that it can be expected, what he is saying that you don't need expensive, fancy equipment to make music. A $5000 guitar won't give you more creativity, no more than a $2000 guitar would. Let's take your situation for instance, a rockband mic and audacity to record your drums might not be the best of situations, but it is manageable, you're just going to have to work more on the mixes. Having proper mics and cubase will make it easier for you, but it will in no way substitute creativity. I think you're just misinteprenting what KmartSqrl is saying, Z3r0747 is right on he money on what he's trying to say. =)
[QUOTE=Dick Tracy;31296456]He is in no way implying that things are free or that it can be expected, what he is saying that you don't need expensive, fancy equipment to make music. A $5000 guitar won't give you more creativity, no more than a $2000 guitar would. Let's take your situation for instance, a rockband mic and audacity to record your drums might not be the best of situations, but it is manageable, you're just going to have to work more on the mixes. Having proper mics and cubase will make it easier for you, but it will in no way substitute creativity. I think you're just misinteprenting what KmartSqrl is saying, Z3r0747 is right on he money on what he's trying to say. =)[/QUOTE] Ok. I just need to find some way to get my covers out there, since I can't put audio recordings on Youtube. Heh [editline]23rd July 2011[/editline] Thanks a shitload for musictheory.net, now I can read piano music much better. No kidding.
You can always put them on soundcloud, or even tindeck. Soundcloud is a lot better, but it has a two hour maximum. You're very much welcome, I have learned a lot from it myself!
Inspiration and determination.
Might as well give a few tips. -Take a few days off from the song you are working on and then make changes. It ends up that spending hours working on a song often alters your ability to make good judgement, so it is likely that something you may have loved actually makes the song quite bad. When I started out I had a huge issue with using too much reverb, but I wouldn't notice is until after a decent break from the song. -If a part isn't working just throw it away and start form scratch. Realize that you can't easily fix broken glass and spending hours to fix it is like polishing a turd. It's also good to analyze and figure out why the part doesn't work. A common effect is that you can admit most what you wrote is bad, but there is one part you really like, but you can get that part to work. This is especially common with lyrics, you come up with a great line, but can't find an excuse to use it without it sounding natural. The best solution is just to scrap it. -Know and realize your limits. I have major issues in that I have a sound in my head, but I can never achieve it. This is common among musicians. Even famous musicians who seem like they have no limitations talk about this. It's always good to try to emulate the music in your head, but it's important to realize that you're not likely to get the same sound without a ton of experience. Just accept that what you are trying to do is out of your reach, and accept the part in the best form you can make it. -Push the limits of your skills and what you can do. You will likely fail, but the experience is what matters. I was really pushing my musical ability with the first progressive song I did and to me this is the biggest part in pushing forward. Set goals for songs and try your best to achieve them. One of my goals a while back was to have all the recordings be done in one take as opposed to segmenting. This has now turned into a typical thing for me to do. It's always good to push your abilities and to work in a zone you are not as comfortable with. -Think your music out. I doubt it shows as easy in my music, but I put a lot of thought into most every part and try to convey something. A lot of times I use symbolism. I had a song about getting high and a guitar part with a slide went way too high. Certainly a big abstract, but a few people got it. This also gives your music some meaning and a purpose. -[B]My biggest piece of advice is to provide criticism for other people's music[/B]. Not just an opinion, but really dissect what works and doesn't work and explain it. Why do I suggest this? Because it makes you more conscious about what works and what doesn't and the details as to why. More importantly, being able to objectively judge musical ideas allows you to judge your own ideas more accurately.
[QUOTE=Meatpuppet;31295170]None of this helps when you don't know anybody who can play along with you. :([/QUOTE] Play with yourself. Seriously, record a track by yourself, play it back and play along with a different instrument. you can repeat as many times as you want, until you have built up an entire orchestra even!
Good idea for a thread but all the points in the OP are kind of obvious imo, nice for beginners tho. (you might want to provide a few more links to music software sites etc. for people starting out) [editline]24th July 2011[/editline] I'd also advice pretty much all musicians to try and play live gigs and shows regularly, if you want to make a career out of it and want to be successful you won't get anywhere just sitting at home uploading your songs to soundcloud and waiting for a record deal.
[QUOTE=Pepin;31301051] -If a part isn't working just throw it away and start form scratch. Realize that you can't easily fix broken glass and spending hours to fix it is like polishing a turd. It's also good to analyze and figure out why the part doesn't work. A common effect is that you can admit most what you wrote is bad, but there is one part you really like, but you can get that part to work. This is especially common with lyrics, you come up with a great line, but can't find an excuse to use it without it sounding natural. The best solution is just to scrap it. [/QUOTE] If you are doing electronic music and come up with a really good synth and stuff, but ti doesn't work with what you're doing right now be sure to save the preset and/or bounce the track to audio so you can use it later. When you've done this for a while you have a nice amount of self made drumloops and synth patches which can be really cool.
[QUOTE=Croix;31295540]I was kidding, besides it has definitely evolved. Compare Madeon to deadmau5[/QUOTE]Umm, more like compare deadmau5 to Daft Punk or Justice or any of the more classic electro artists. Madeon is great but he's pretty similar to stuff that's been around for over a decade, and I'd consider him to be around the same musical generation as deadmau5.
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