Moving Forward Musically
March 4, 2007It might not be coincidence that this week both Jon and Jessie taught me a tune without the benefit of sheet music. The best part—besides just learning two tunes that I love to play—is that something clicked in my head when they taught me these tunes. It started clicking when Jon taught me the B part to The Humours of Barrack St. and finished clicking when Jessie taught me Angelina Baker. I suddenly began to understand how to learn tunes by ear.
So this afternoon I spent a little time with their CD and began to work out the melody to Sousa’s Reel. It’s slow going, but I’m getting there. It’s pretty cool. I’m not sure I’d have been able to do this 6 months ago.
It’s exciting for me. I feel like I’m really turning into a musician of sorts. Perhaps I’m in the wrong field…
A Bard\'s Chronicles 
If’n you’re looking to get even better, I found it surprising how much it helps to study music theory (as much as I hate studying music theory). When you can make some inferences about sequences and intervals based on chords and progressions, it’s quite a bit easier.
Didn’t I suggest a few years ago that you become a busker when you grow up? 🙂
Music theory is a good idea. Jon’s been teaching me some, but we tend to get distracted by working on tunes. And you may very well have suggested I become a busker. Doesn’t sound like such a bad idea to me right now. 😉