I forgot to say in the first message: Great job Moonlapse. I love that solo, and you played it very well, especially so for just busting out at a rehearsal.
In my previous post, i certainly wasnt trying to intimidate, or scare people away from lessons and or playing an instrument! Most of the "jargon" is just that; new terminology just like any other field. While i absolutely agree with Moonlapse in that Theory/technique alone does not make good music (Michael Angelo anyone?), its basically impossible to make unique, creative, and inspired music without having the ability to express yourself through whichever medium you choose. Having passion is one thing; turning it into something worthwhile is where the "skill" and knowledge elements come into play. Even for guys like Opeth, who dont have "much" formal training (by the way, a fews years (is that even accurate for Mike?) is quite a bit!) , they still claim that musicianship is very central and important to producing quality stuff. Much like anything in life, its about balancing emotion and the more "cerebral". Moonlapse quotes Plato so Im sure he knows exactly what I mean.
That aside, I strongly disagree with Moonlapse's statement about more advanced theory only being necessary for "professional" musicians. Even though I am taking Major music study, i have zero intention to perform in a band, studio, or play music for a career. I simply love education, and am fascinated by how things work. I started off not caring too much about the theoretical; after about a year of having no idea of the history or reason why i was playing what i was (questions like: what are progressions, and why do we naturally like certain ones, or associate them with moods? Why is a guitar tuned the way it is? What is temperance, and what effect has it had on the development of sound and composition? etc.) i decided to seriously persue it.
I tend to think any inquisitive mind would want to know what the hell they where doing, rather than simply copying other players because you like the way it sounds... Understanding what that sound is, and why you like it can only make you a better player, and listener. Not to be long winded (too late i know) but education is never a bad thing; its only leads to higher understanding and appreciation.
Moonlapse is absolutely correct when he stated that one cannot teach artistry. But to achieve art, and to express ones passion's, the method must be understood.
