Originally Posted by Marc Barnette
"A classical piano soloist, for example, may not have an understanding of chord accompaniment or of genres and styles outside of the songs in their repertoire. They might have trouble improvising. A jazz pianist might not be able to play, other than in a rather rudimentary fashion, a country accompaniment and vice versa. Even many guitarists cannot read a chord chart or, if they can read it, to play in a manner that suggests a genre or style."

OH MY LORD!!! AIN'T THAT THE TRUTH!! I've had many occassions where I've invited classically trained people to sit in with me and they are totally lost. Just like I would be if I was trying to read music. I was in a band once that were working on being a Chicago Tribute band. I looked at the music and bowed out of that thing after the first rehearsal. So it goes both ways.

But one of my most notable was one show I did and the mother of the bass player was there. I had heard she played piano and invited her up. She got up and we did a couple of very simple songs, but she simply couldn't play at all, and finally just sat down. I felt bad because I didn't want to embarras her. She TAUGHT Classical piano at a very elite university in Texas, and was a Van Clyburn competition finalist.


So they are the same, yet different. And keyboard players have too many notes. LOL!

MAB


Yes, I’ve known excellent classical pianists. One in particular told me that jazz makes him nervous. If you’re cultivated in only the classical repertoire, it’s understandable why you’re lost outside of your comfort zone. I think the serious music conservatories should also give classes in other genres. Especially if the pianist wants to make a living at music. Very few make it to the classical concert hall. Most end up teaching classical piano.

I will say that classical music is great in the finger dexterity arena. I was lucky, I started out in a rock band, then a hillbilly band, to the Skylarks, an old standard band. I learned so much using fake books, then I ended up in a house band, where we backed-up many acts and had our own show. A large variety of music. I didn’t study classical music until I was in my 20’s. Then I studied it with a passion for a decade. I never regretted that – or any of my playing gigs.

So, my humble advice… don’t pigeonhole your music education. When you’re young, you have no idea where you’ll end up. Be prepared…

Best, John smile

Stop analyzing; just compose the damn thing!
http://johnlarenceschick.com/home
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm8486845/resume?ref_=nm_ov_res