 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2012-07-27 11:07
I second David's assessment -- this aspect is SM alone is worth the subscription fee.
You have some flexibility to tailor the accompaniment playback to follow you (allowing rubato) or to be the leader (maintaining tempo) through large sections.
Although it certainly does lack a human touch at times, it will prepare you so well to play with an accompanist that you can save a lot of money in rehearsal fees -- simply by being better prepared.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-07-27 13:15
I really don't see the point. You can work out all you need to work out in your home studio with a metronome.
Your rehearsals with your accompanist should be for the sake of the accompanist, not you. If you are still working out the notes at that point, you aren't ready for their services. You wouldn't be able to work out timing with a recorded playback, just like when you switch any accompanist your timing would change.
We musicians complain hows there's so little work, how they hire DJ's, play CD's, and use synthesizers and samplers, and then we go and purchase backing tracks and the like. I guess there's no stopping progress.
Drew S.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2012-07-27 13:46
Drew, accompaniment tracks are helpful for hearing the harmonies, and for intonation practice.
When I had been playing Clarinet for 4 Months, I began playing the Schumann Fantasy Piece #1. Didn't have the slightest clue how it went harmonically, as back then, if you wanted a recording, ordering it was the only option, and they were $$.
The idea of a pickup being a weak beat was foreign at that point.
Major players (at least one giant on this list - he's in the UK) have used recordings of other players performances to learn a piece quickly.
It's not good to use them in a performance, but as a practicing aide, great.
(disclaimer - I had the 1st major Custom Tempo Accompaniment Service for Clarinetists, thus the mytempo.com named website)
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-07-27 16:50
Unfortunately someone will use it in performance. Maybe someone will at the Olympics whilst they play for free, citing that they will perform a lesser service because they are not getting paid. Agents and club owners will take a look at the performance, think to themselves, "well, this is good enough. Why should I pay professionals when I can just get this guy? It's not like the audience isn't enjoying the show." The guy playing thinks, "wow, I'm really making it. I got people coming to see me. I'll make a name for myself, and I'll be able to do music for a living." Unfortunately, it is a false economy, because the musician is being hired because he is free, not because he is a good performer. The end result is pushing down the ability of professionals to have a career in music.
If you practice right with a tuner, you will not need this Accompaniment Service. You can perform with your favorite professional recording, it is much better, feeling the interpretation of highly knowledgeable professionals.
The above is just a scenario. Maybe it's not even true, but maybe it is true. I can agree to disagree, I just think it's bad for music as a whole.
Drew S.
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Author: JamesOrlandoGarcia
Date: 2012-07-27 17:14
I'm a HUGE fan of Smart Music for all the above reasons and more.
It is great to help clarinetists play in tune. Many musicians find it very difficult to adjust to playing with a piano with just one or two rehearsals. Smart music is so definite and consistent.
You can also record your run throughs and listen to ever aspect of your playing. This is instrumental in preparing for a successful performance.
Furthermore you get to play with accompaniments that are usually MONSTERS to prepare like the Neilsen Concerto.
Get it an enjoy it.
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