NikIsBigMeech
Member
Do you guys think it's really worth it? In some cases I don't really see the need to, but then again.. I'm terribly lazy
Imagine how hard it would be to learn information if you could read the written word?
Everything would have to be passed down aurally and you would need to remember it.
There are 2 types of reading really. There is sight reading fly poo at 20 ft and then there is reading for comprehension.
Sight Reading isn't a skill you need unless you want to do pit work, orchestral work or films etc. It also takes years of hard practice to get your sight reading chops up and you only get those by reading lots!
The second level of reading is the level everyone should get to as it allows you to grow as a musician. If you can read a little bit (enough to work things out) then every book, magazine, online lesson is there for you to absorb and that can only make you a better player.
This exact explanation is what i give to students who come to me. Reading to a level that you can teach yourself is never a bad thing.
I also explain the following which means they can learn anything written down.
In order to read music you need to know 3 things
The value of the note (1/4, 1/8th etc and recognize them) this is done by how they look...which never changes between instruments. An 1/8 note always has one tail/flag.
Next you need to remember how to count them....which never changes between instruments.
3rd you need to know where those notes are played....which does change. Most drum books have keys at the start which tell you what is there.
With those 3 things you can read anything ever written on any instrument....you may not be able to play it right away but you can understand it.
D
Do you guys think it's really worth it? In some cases I don't really see the need to, but then again.. I'm terribly lazy
Its like the alphabet, you can speak before you can read it, learning to read it however allows you to learn more. I can read music but I have not had to while playing in years. Looking in modern drummer they have transcriptions and im able to read whats going on and its kind of cool actually. either way, you can still play.
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You can get through life not learning to read, but honestly, there's no reason to resist learning it, and so many good reasons to learn how. You're probably going to invent your own tab or shorthand anyways, and if you can read tab, you can read music.
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Actually my angst at traditional notation (which is despised by even major classical composers) caused me to develop my own number system, but it only works for me and has its flaws, to be sure.
I'm terribly lazy
Absolutely do not learn to read music; there are already too many drummers out there competing for work.
Go on living with your parents, playing your drums in your bedroom, and leave playing music to the musicians.
Yes, and get the hell off my lawn.