 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Laurie
Date: 2000-05-28 04:05
Hey all !
I'm currently enrolled in Music Theory I. My teacher dosn't teach, so .. i'm trying. Ya know, I have no clue what-so-ever on how do anything, but i give it my best. For my final exam he told us to go to the computer and compose a song, using different elements. That was the only direction. So i did.. and I love my song.. I love how it sounds, how it's consturcted, the dynamics etc. I don't know .. it just me, It's happy, and just when u hear it, you smile. My teacher listened to it, and hates it.. he wants me to add things to it.. to make it more dramatic, sad etc.. I told him, ya know, i like how it sounds etc, i really don't want to change it.. he just told me, well i guess your going to have to like your grade then, cause i won't be changing it. I don't know .. yeah.. i did change some - sounds .. made it a little more mello dramatic, but it's basically the same. I don't know - I think if you have too many elements it just kills it. Sometimes .. too many cooks spoil the broth. I fought with him for like 20 min. about this, we cannot think of eachother's ways.It's just not working, i don't know. I hate the class. Theory II will be beter because of the teacher change but still. I talked with my parents about this and they told me that I feel strongly about it, I'm allowed to keep my song the way it is, and take whatever grade i get. I'm in termoil. Do i change my song, and give in - just to get a high grade.. or do I stick to my ground and take whatever grade ?
HELP !!!
laur.
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Author: earl thomas
Date: 2000-05-28 06:52
Sounds like your teacher is trying to get you to elaborate and develop you "song". Not a bad thing to do if you're going to learn more about composition and the handling of thematic/rhythmic material. I'd advise you to put your ego on hold to see if that teacher can teach you something. Is not that what you're there to do....learn something?
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Author: Jim
Date: 2000-05-28 09:59
Is this your first attempt at composing, or do you have a broader compositional base than your instructor? Earl hit the nail, you are there to learn and "when I learn I listen well" might be helpful for you. You might want to check your sentence construction and spelling.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-05-28 14:13
Jim wrote:
<br>-------------------------------
<br>You might want to check your sentence construction and spelling.
<br>-------
<br>I try & keep spelling and grammar criticisms off the Bboard. While in schoolwork it is critical, we're a little less formal here.
<br>
<br>There are times when the spelling just gets "too funny for words", and other times I've had no idea whatsoever what someone was saying, so it does matter, but perhaps a private missive on the importance of spelling and grammer would be better. Some people may be scared to ask questions and post answers lest they be scorned for a skill they've yet to accomplish.
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Author: Allen Cole
Date: 2000-05-28 15:15
I'm with Earl. You're taking a class designed to improve your abilities, so have some trust in your teacher. He's already been places that you haven't yet heard of.
One thing to watch for:
You may be a prisoner of your 'comfort zone' and your teacher is probably trying to get you to expand yourself. I have a 9th-grade student who can improvise beautifully to certain songs over a pentatonic scale. Now he thinks that he knows all he needs. What he DOESN'T know is that there are 12 different tonalities, and that there are songs other than the blues and "I Got Rhythm." He also doesn't know that many contest judges frown on the use of crude vibrato on the clarinet. As his teacher, I sometimes have to put my foot down. If I don't, then I have to watch helplessly a year later when all his preconceived notions come crashing down on him.
Finally...the song is JUST AN EXERCISE. If you really like it, then keep a copy of it in its original form for future use. Take another copy and rewrite it under your teacher's guidance. That's why you're taking his class.
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Author: Ginny
Date: 2000-05-28 18:40
Its simple, keep a copy for yourself and give the teacher what he wants. To get good marks one studies the teacher as much as (occasionaly more than) the subject. You can stick to the 'my thoughts are free' rebellion and feel offended that the instructor did not love your piece, but it will gain you very little. Or you can learn more about developing the piece (an exercise at this point, face it) and (forgive my bluntness) a certain amount about a** kissing, a part of all professions. Unless you're Beethoven.
Ginny
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Author: Kontragirl
Date: 2000-05-28 19:33
I have a song like that, you hear it and you smile. It’s almost involuntary. Now save a version of this song because you might hate what it turns into. I'm working on this song right now, but when it's done (which should be today or tomorrow, I really love working on it). I'll let you know so you can hear some ideas.
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-05-29 03:52
We also had to do this in Theory I. The particular chapter we were on was Music Theory in the style and teachings of Bach. Therefore the piece we were to compose was to be in this style so the Professor could see if any of this was sinking in. Well we had a couple of fantastic tunes turned in, but they didn't sound very "Bachy". Though they sounded great, The students missed the purpose of this assignment.
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2000-05-29 08:07
When Leonard Bernstein talked with his daughter about Beetles' songs, he told they are made on an ancient mode called Dorian Mode.Our most accustomed mode is the oldest Ionian mode.
What is a tune? What is a melody? What is a mode? It is necessary to understand all of these. For example, Chaplin made a melody for Limelight but someone converted it into a song using his melody. Your teacher may be trying to teach those basics. It was easy for Bernstein to explain these things since he was a famous composer. There are good video series by Bernstein for young people(CBS-Sony). They are good and highly recommended both for grown-ups and young people.
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