
Etudes, why?
- Brucom
- bugler

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Mark
- windshieldbug
- Once got the "hand" as a cue

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- SplatterTone
- 5 valves

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I'm not a fan of etudes either. Not because I don't think there is value in them, but because I don't like them. Instead, I try to find pieces of music that serve essentially the same purpose while providing more interest.
However, there is one area of music where the "etude" (note the quotes) is essential, I think, and that is improvisation. In improvisation, the conscious mind sets the direction and subconscious does it. The subconscious -- with some direction from the conscious mind -- reaches into its bag of tricks that have been learned over time and executes that trick. These tricks are perfected by repetition of informal "etudes". For example, on keyboard (since that is where my improvisation is proficient), these could be scales in parallel octaves, thirds, and sixths; sixths with one hand; various arpeggios; stride bass; etc.
Although most musicians might associate the etude with classical music, I've a feeling that informal "etudes" are much more common in jazz.
(But I suppose it sort of depends on how broad or narrow your definition of etude is.)
However, there is one area of music where the "etude" (note the quotes) is essential, I think, and that is improvisation. In improvisation, the conscious mind sets the direction and subconscious does it. The subconscious -- with some direction from the conscious mind -- reaches into its bag of tricks that have been learned over time and executes that trick. These tricks are perfected by repetition of informal "etudes". For example, on keyboard (since that is where my improvisation is proficient), these could be scales in parallel octaves, thirds, and sixths; sixths with one hand; various arpeggios; stride bass; etc.
Although most musicians might associate the etude with classical music, I've a feeling that informal "etudes" are much more common in jazz.
(But I suppose it sort of depends on how broad or narrow your definition of etude is.)
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- SplatterTone
- 5 valves

- Posts: 1906
- Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:17 pm
- Location: Tulsa, OK
- Contact:
Yeah, I'm confused too. Like I was watching Star Wars, and there's that great big Yoda guy holding the dancer girl on the chain; and Obi Wan is frozen in carbonite over against the wall; when in comes what appears to be a bounty hunter who actually turns out to be Princess Amidala; and over in the corner is Anakin "Spuds" Skywalker babbling something about how a Jedi must give up love and cute, perky Naboobies. And I'm watching this stuff and saying: What the hell?! This isn't right! Where's Bart Simpson? He's not here! Bart should be here! Terribly confusing, to say the least.SplatterTone, Im confused by your statement
Good signature lines: http://tinyurl.com/a47spm