Sunday, February 13, 2005

Lemmie Backup

I would like to apologize, If you are reading my blog for the first time you probably would like a bit of history - Well here it goes..

[cue the music]
Early on I started playing instruments when I was in 1st grade - the school Iattended was really cool and encouraged (no, actually demanded) that youdo something musical.
Now somewhere around that time (+/- a few years) I played a recorder for about a 1/2 a year. Now I did this even thought I thought itwas really gross (because they would wash them out between students) - which leads me to string instruments.
I soon found out that if you wanted, you could dump the recorder for a violin. So there I was a young black kid (the only spot im class) - playing the violin.

posted by Poster @ 2/13/2005 12:57:00 PM 0 comments

The start of a great relationship!

Man,

Wednesday I had my first class, working session, discussion with TC, my theory mentor (thats a good title for him). We met at a local coffee shop and he really opened my mind with regards to music theory!!! Some of the things he mentioned I kind of knew (deep in the recesses in my mind) but somehow the way he explained everything really connected with me.
Our conversation included the following
  • The structure of Major scales
  • The definition of dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian, aeolean and locrean scales (wow, I remembered them in order!
  • Notation
  • Treble clef transcription (I used to know it)
Well.. at the end of our session TC had identified a lot of tasks that I need to work on.. I gotta write out all the modes of all the scales (in treble & bass clef), play them on my bass, memorize the cycle of 4ths/5ths, dissect a few standards and write out some rhythms!!! Whew, I'm gonna be a busy boy over the next few weeks..

posted by Poster @ 2/13/2005 12:08:00 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Tonight is the night!

Well after a few fruitless attempts at writing music, I have decided that I need to take some theory lessons. To that end I located a Theory instructor (it took a lot of phone calls).

What do I hope to get out of this?? Well I'd like to be able to write a lot of the tunes that cycle through my head on a daily basis. For the most part they fall along the lines of a Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis and the like.. Who knows - maybe one day I'll be known as a 'Bassist & Songwriter'

... I digress - So tonight I have my first lesson - I hope all goes well...

posted by Poster @ 2/09/2005 08:23:00 PM 1 comments