NationStates Jolt Archive


The Musicians Thread....

Branin
07-04-2005, 11:23
This is simply a place for musicians to talk about there art, ell what they play and how they play it, ask questions, share thoughts and songs. Should be fun and interesting and maybe I can learn a thing or two.

I am a music major. My current focus is cello, but that is because there is no bass program, and I can't afford to do a double with vocal.

My main instruments:
Cello
Bass (in all forms)
Voice

Stuff I play a little:
Percussion
Piano
Guitar
Violin
Viola

Stuff I have dabbled on, or am currently learning:
Trumpet
Tuba
Clarinet
Banjo
Ukelele
Saxaphone

Stuff I want to learn:
Everything else
Moleland
07-04-2005, 11:25
Let's see... I

Sing, play the piano and Keyboard


That's it!
Cannot think of a name
07-04-2005, 11:29
I was a music major (I ended up with an AA, which means bupkiss, really...) but I ended up ultimately with a film degree. 'Cause music wasn't enough of a guarantee(sp?) of starving...a-apparently...

Aaaanyway...I play the sax. You can play one, you can play them all. So for recital crap I'd use the alto, jazz bands the tenor, and concert bands and any chance I could get or make up, the bari. I love playing the bari. And I like playing it smooooth, like I was Gerry Mulligan...I think it might be to make up for the fact that my voice isn't as deep or silky as I think it aught to be.
The Return of DO
07-04-2005, 11:31
My main instruments:
French horn (Me got some letters after my name for dat)
Piano (I'm pretty good lol)
Bass guitar (In jazz bands)

Stuff I play a little:
Drum Kit
Orchestral Percussion
Guitar
Cello

Stuff I have dabbled on, or am currently learning:
Clarinet
Ocarina (lol)

Stuff I want to learn:
Nothing else really

Stuff I used to play:
Trumpet (I was grade 5 at the age of 10 having started at 8 but I had to give it up due to embouchure problems)
Kanabia
07-04-2005, 11:39
I play the guitar (classical, rock, blues, whatever) okay-ish...

And I want to learn how to play the drums. I wouldn't mind learning to sing, but I don't have high hopes for my voice.
Legless Pirates
07-04-2005, 11:41
Keyboards, bass, washboard, vocals all pretty good

Okay at Guitar

I really want to learn drums, but I'm not very good with my feet
Komani
07-04-2005, 11:47
I don't play any musical instruments, but I rap lots and I hope to release a mixtape.
Keruvalia
07-04-2005, 12:11
Mankind has not made an instrument that I cannot play.
Kusarii
07-04-2005, 12:13
I play the guitar fairly well. Used to play the clarinet but I don't anymore really...

I dabble in the piano every now and then, and I'm not too bad...
Keruvalia
07-04-2005, 12:17
I really want to learn drums, but I'm not very good with my feet

Good thing it's all in the legs, then. :p

Hint: You don't play with your feet (like car pedals), you play with the balls of your feet (by bouncing the legs).
Cannot think of a name
07-04-2005, 12:20
Mankind has not made an instrument that I cannot play.
This guy (http://home.swipnet.se/sonoloco2/Rec/Innova/IRPartch2.jpg) gave it a whirl, though. (Harry Partch)
Delator
07-04-2005, 12:22
I play drum-kit.
I am also proud to say that I can sing pretty damn good :D

I took piano lessons for several years, but I doubt I could play much of anything now, as that was many years ago.

If you held a gun to my head, I could probably play any brass instrument just badly enough to make you move the gun to my thigh and pull the trigger.

Thats about it... :)
Interesting Slums
07-04-2005, 12:23
I play guitar mainly (grade 7 classical). I twiddle with the keyboard and want to do vocals (I can sing I think, I just dont have the confidence).

I love cranking the rock though, when you are on stage with hundreds of people dancing and singing to your music, it is extacy (and not the drug ;))
Preebles
07-04-2005, 12:38
I play guitar, mehishly, and a bit of bass.
I'd really really like to take up the drums! But a drum kit would basically fill up my entire living room/bedroom/kitchen. ;)
The odd one
07-04-2005, 12:39
I play the guitar, mostly just rythm, folksy stuff, bongo, and the didgeridoo (I can't do the circular breathing, but I can get some crazy noises from it) i mess around with my bass every now and again and i used to play the fiddle.

proving once again that musical instruments are addictive.
Kanabia
07-04-2005, 12:40
Good thing it's all in the legs, then. :p

Hint: You don't play with your feet (like car pedals), you play with the balls of your feet (by bouncing the legs).

I can do that. ^_^

I haven't touched a drumkit in three years though. :(
Keruvalia
07-04-2005, 12:42
I can do that. ^_^

I haven't touched a drumkit in three years though. :(

Heh ... I took a video of me playing my kit. I need to compress it down and share it with the group ... I'm like Keith Moon on the drums .... sweat and hair flying everywhere, arms all over the place, great facial expressions ...
Kanabia
07-04-2005, 12:45
Heh ... I took a video of me playing my kit. I need to compress it down and share it with the group ... I'm like Keith Moon on the drums .... sweat and hair flying everywhere, arms all over the place, great facial expressions ...

Haha, sounds awesome :D

I should video myself pulling guitar-faces. :p
The Return of DO
07-04-2005, 12:48
I play air guitar exceedingly well
Preebles
07-04-2005, 12:52
Haha, sounds awesome :D

I should video myself pulling guitar-faces. :p
I probably just frown a lot. :p
Keruvalia
07-04-2005, 12:53
Haha, sounds awesome :D

Well, it does help that I'm playing to The Who's "Baba O'Reilly".

I should video myself pulling guitar-faces. :p

Hahaha! Guitar faces rock! :D
Rasselas
07-04-2005, 12:56
My main instruments are bass and flute, but I can also play sax, guitar, piccolo, and piano pretty damn well. And I really wanna learn french horn...and bagpipes. (No, really).

I used to play drums....can't remember why I gave up. I wasn't great (I was only 10 :p) but I wasn't appaulingly bad either. I also used to play recorder (haha)...not just descant....aaall of them :D


Oooh if anyones in the Manchester area in May, I've got a gig, come watch :p
Cannot think of a name
07-04-2005, 12:58
Apparently I just look like I'm in a trance when I play. I had a girlfriend describe it as 'creepy' when she thought I was looking at her when I played because she thought I was looking through her. I don't really think about what I'm looking at while I play, so that might be true...sure sucks the wind out of the 'pimpness' of the sax though, if you look like zombie man while you play...
Interesting Slums
07-04-2005, 13:01
I play air guitar exceedingly well

My I ask to what kind of music that it?
Air guitar can be entertaining, aslong as you pick a good artist
Keruvalia
07-04-2005, 13:03
Apparently I just look like I'm in a trance when I play. I had a girlfriend describe it as 'creepy' when she thought I was looking at her when I played because she thought I was looking through her. I don't really think about what I'm looking at while I play, so that might be true...sure sucks the wind out of the 'pimpness' of the sax though, if you look like zombie man while you play...


I just had this sudden vision of sax playing zombies, shuffling their way through to coming zombie apocalypse with smooth jazz.

Reeeeeds ...... REEEEEEEEEEEEDS!
The Return of DO
07-04-2005, 13:05
My I ask to what kind of music that it?
Air guitar can be entertaining, aslong as you pick a good artist

Aerosmith baby.
Pure Metal
07-04-2005, 13:05
Heh ... I took a video of me playing my kit. I need to compress it down and share it with the group ... I'm like Keith Moon on the drums .... sweat and hair flying everywhere, arms all over the place, great facial expressions ...
awesome! i sooooo want a drum kit! i've played a friends' a couple of times and, modesty aside, i rock!! :D


other than that i play rythm electric guitar, badly, and am into music production.

here's a wee thing i made up when testing out my mates' new Marshall stack (nice & thrash-y... hell yeah!): linky (http://www.hlj.me.uk/Huw%20playing%20thrash%20baby.mp3)


and here's something i produced with said friend on guitar (using a shitty drum machine - we got a better one now :) ): linky (http://www.hlj.me.uk/A%20Cosmic%20Reflection%20mp3.mp3)
and another one (Satriani cover): linky (http://www.hlj.me.uk/Always%20With%20Me%20Always%20WIth%20You%20-%20Jimi%20Satriani.wma)
Cannot think of a name
07-04-2005, 13:08
I just had this sudden vision of sax playing zombies, shuffling their way through to coming zombie apocalypse with smooth jazz.

Reeeeeds ...... REEEEEEEEEEEEDS!
I think you just wrote the tag line to my next short...
Keruvalia
07-04-2005, 13:10
One of my more popular Rave pieces (though popular doesn't mean it's good).

Clicky! (http://www.unlc.biz/Where_Ravers_Go.mp3)

It's about 2 Megs and, yes, real instruments were used in the making of this, as well as some electronic ones.
Interesting Slums
07-04-2005, 13:11
Aerosmith baby.

not bad, altho I still think (even though I dislike Angus) that AC/DC is the best air guitar due to the simplicity of the rock.
The Return of DO
07-04-2005, 13:12
But air guitar is so much more fun when you have Steve Tyler wailing and screeching in the background!
Keruvalia
07-04-2005, 13:14
I think you just wrote the tag line to my next short...

lol ... sweeet. :D
Preebles
07-04-2005, 13:14
Air guitar sucks when you're pissed and know how to play the song. You keep getting it wrong and looking really really confused...
Homeglan
07-04-2005, 13:56
I am an Opera singer and a drummer in a metal band. I'm on tour in summer.
Bellesalona
07-04-2005, 14:00
Ok. I have a question. Music seems to come pretty natural to me. 8 years at the flute in school with not much practice and I was 1st chair and competed alot and asked into symphonic band and well I was good/great.

So now,15 years later (wow) I am just learning the violin. How long does it take to actually sound good, I mean tone and stuff. I have learned to play by ear and read music...........of course remember I just started (3 months). I don't like to hear anything or play anything unless its really good. And right now I'm just learning and lets face it violin sucks to hear if/when you just start. Not to mention so different (strings). I have to say it is going pretty well, but seriously - would you say 2 years before its sounds ok? Or..............

Anyone?
Kanabia
07-04-2005, 14:10
Air guitar sucks when you're pissed and know how to play the song. You keep getting it wrong and looking really really confused...

Hehehehe.

You know you can't air guitar anymore when you're trying to and think "wait, that chord had a higher pitch, i'm supposed to move it down the fretboard...aw shit."

:D
The odd one
07-04-2005, 14:14
Ok. I have a question. Music seems to come pretty natural to me. 8 years at the flute in school with not much practice and I was 1st chair and competed alot and asked into symphonic band and well I was good/great.

So now,15 years later (wow) I am just learning the violin. How long does it take to actually sound good, I mean tone and stuff. I have learned to play by ear and read music...........of course remember I just started (3 months). I don't like to hear anything or play anything unless its really good. And right now I'm just learning and lets face it violin sucks to hear if/when you just start. Not to mention so different (strings). I have to say it is going pretty well, but seriously - would you say 2 years before its sounds ok? Or..............

Anyone?
the biggest part of getting the violin not to sound like a screaming cat is in the bow strokes. i remember when i learned the violin (considering taking it up again when i can afford a new one) at the start i had trouble keeping the bow on one string, and it sounds bloody awful when you play 2 strings at once.
Bellesalona
07-04-2005, 14:18
the biggest part of getting the violin not to sound like a screaming cat is in the bow strokes. i remember when i learned the violin (considering taking it up again when i can afford a new one) at the start i had trouble keeping the bow on one string, and it sounds bloody awful when you play 2 strings at once.

The cool part is I have my grandpa's old violin, we figure it to be about 100 years old. I had it fixed and have been told by many it has great tone and sound.............now for me to get that. I can get good tone and sound and hit one string, just that I'm slow and it's pretty tough as I'm pretty hard on myself. I'm a perfectionist kinda when it comes to playing music and I know I should loosen up and just play and have fun. I do have fun when I finally learn to play.
Bellesalona
07-04-2005, 14:21
Thanks for the advice, by the way. I have a hard time just bending my elbow and not using my whole arm to move the bow. I can do it, just takes a bit of concentration.
The odd one
07-04-2005, 14:24
Thanks for the advice, by the way. I have a hard time just bending my elbow and not using my whole arm to move the bow. I can do it, just takes a bit of concentration.
try giving your arm a shake to loosen it up. sounds wierd, i know, but trust me.
The Return of DO
07-04-2005, 14:25
Ok. I have a question. Music seems to come pretty natural to me. 8 years at the flute in school with not much practice and I was 1st chair and competed alot and asked into symphonic band and well I was good/great.

Does anyone else think that 8 years is a long time?
Bellesalona
07-04-2005, 14:26
try giving your arm a shake to loosen it up. sounds wierd, i know, but trust me.
How long did it take before you felt comfortable with yourself and the sound? I mean how long until you created REAL music/tone and sound? My guess is 2 years?????
Preebles
07-04-2005, 14:26
try giving your arm a shake to loosen it up. sounds wierd, i know, but trust me.
Kinda like warming up your fingers before playig the guitar. (or playing netball for that matter!) Playing either with cold fingers is HELL.
Bellesalona
07-04-2005, 14:27
Does anyone else think that 8 years is a long time?
Yes and 8 years of not much practice and keeping up and passing the rest of the musicians in my class.............
Thanks LOL.
The odd one
07-04-2005, 14:29
Kinda like warming up your fingers before playig the guitar. (or playing netball for that matter!) Playing either with cold fingers is HELL.
oh i feckin hate playin guitar with cold fingers, it makes everything sound sloppy and crap. i use 'greensleeves as a warm-up tune because the finger positions are always changing.
Bellesalona
07-04-2005, 14:30
Ok, so warm up and loosen up should give some help. Thanks guys. I mean what I do too is play something I already know a few times, then I go on to my lessons and practice. I know I should be doing scales, but I tend to like to play what I know. I do need to practice the scales - big.........he he I can do them slooooowwww. :)
The odd one
07-04-2005, 14:33
How long did it take before you felt comfortable with yourself and the sound? I mean how long until you created REAL music/tone and sound? My guess is 2 years?????
thats about right, i was just getting to playing properly, smoothly and i stopped practicing. now my old primary school has the violin and i probably won't buy a new one for a couple of years. :(

i wonder how quickly icould re-learn. :confused: i haven't even held a violin for 6 years.
Bellesalona
07-04-2005, 14:36
My instructor seems to be pushing me pretty hard too........I mean I think she thinks or knows I can do it and pushes and challanges...........I do get it, but its hard. Wooo is me, I have to practice.

Would you say a string instrument is harder to learn than others, just because you have to position your fingers just right all the time. Or am I just a whinner?
Bellesalona
07-04-2005, 14:40
What is the next string instrument down (tone-wise) from the violin. Is it the cello? Would you call the cello a bass string?
Cognative Superios
07-04-2005, 14:50
I used to play the clarinet, tuba, alto horn, french horn, bass clarinet, sax, kettle drums/timpany, gong/cymbles, wood blocks, ect... but haven't picked up an instrument since my freshman year of college.

My true calling with music comes in composing, in fact yesterday I was asked to write the score for The Boor, a show to be done next spring at my university. If I find time to do it tha is.
Taldaan
07-04-2005, 15:01
What is the next string instrument down (tone-wise) from the violin. Is it the cello? Would you call the cello a bass string?

Next string instrument down is viola, which I play and have been for seven years.

I also play electric guitar (mainly rock and metal) and generally suck.
The odd one
07-04-2005, 15:02
I used to play the clarinet, tuba, alto horn, french horn, bass clarinet, sax, kettle drums/timpany, gong/cymbles, wood blocks, ect... but haven't picked up an instrument since my freshman year of college.

My true calling with music comes in composing, in fact yesterday I was asked to write the score for The Boor, a show to be done next spring at my university. If I find time to do it tha is.
cool! can you right me a theme tune? pleases
Bitewaldi
07-04-2005, 15:25
Hi,

I've been playing cello and piano since I was a child. I took a 20-year "break" from cello playing, and recently took it up again. It took about 6 months of lessons to get my chops back to where I was when I stopped playing (maybe slightly better, if only because I'm serious about it now). I had my old cello restored (cost about what a used car would cost to have it rebuilt - but it sounds great now - it's about 130 years old), and I play in a mixed age orchestra with my 11 year old daughter (who plays violin, glockenschpiel and drums)

In the meantime, I picked up these instruments (that I play with varying degrees of competence):

electronic keyboards,
recorder/pennywhistle/indian flute
percussion (djembé, ashiko, congas, doumbek, zills)
guitar
bass

And I also sing, do digital recording/mixing and write music. My husband's a singer in a metal band, and we have our own band as well.

Music for the Goddess (http://www.musicforthegoddess.com)
Cognative Superios
07-04-2005, 15:30
cool! can you right me a theme tune? pleases



that depends? you willing to pay??? ;)

actualy if you seriously wnat me too I could but it'd take a while since I've got the score to write still, thats going to take me at least nine months, then I have two others on my list of works in progress for competitions and stuff.
Gurdenvazk
07-04-2005, 15:39
I play the French Horn
Saxophone
and Trumpet
Taverham high
07-04-2005, 16:46
i play guitar in a band. me and my freind gem are the two guitarists, shes amazing at lead, whereas i just make noise. i love my telecaster, but i enjoying playing acoustic more.
Rasselas
07-04-2005, 16:53
I know I should be doing scales, but I tend to like to play what I know. I do need to practice the scales - big.........he he I can do them slooooowwww. :)

Ugh...scales...*weeps*...I've been playing flute for 10 years and my scales are still appaling. I always seem to get asked to play C major in graded exams....I think it's because they feel sorry for me after hearing me attempt the others :(
The Chocolate Goddess
07-04-2005, 16:54
I sing and play the egg...
Was in a band, have many musician friends, developing a repertoire of songs, and am presently organizing the biggest jam session for a b-day bash...
Gibratlar
07-04-2005, 17:08
Hey all.

I take lessons for piano (Grade 6), drums (Grade 4), and am self-taught guitar/harmonica/saxophone.
I tell myself I can sing, and I can to some extent, but not very well :p

I have my own band, we're called White Room (after the Cream song, nothing to do with inciting racial hatred :p) and we play bluesy rock. If you know what I mean :p
I play guitar and sing, and we're currently a three piece band. I'm slowly discovering myself as a lyricist, which is a real boost too.

:)
The Chocolate Goddess
07-04-2005, 17:14
Hey all.

I take lessons for piano (Grade 6), drums (Grade 4), and am self-taught guitar/harmonica/saxophone.
I tell myself I can sing, and I can to some extent, but not very well :p

I have my own band, we're called White Room (after the Cream song, nothing to do with inciting racial hatred :p) and we play bluesy rock. If you know what I mean :p
I play guitar and sing, and we're currently a three piece band. I'm slowly discovering myself as a lyricist, which is a real boost too.

:)

Bluesy rock? I have some friends who are into that... Have something we could listen to?
Gibratlar
07-04-2005, 21:02
Unfortunately no; the band is mainly playing school gigs and stuff, (we're not legally old enough to play in pubs yet, stupid law....) and we've haven't really recorded our stuff.
The Chocolate Goddess
07-04-2005, 21:08
Unfortunately no; the band is mainly playing school gigs and stuff, (we're not legally old enough to play in pubs yet, stupid law....) and we've haven't really recorded our stuff.

Let us know when you do. I always like discovering new bands.
Branin
08-04-2005, 06:39
What is the next string instrument down (tone-wise) from the violin. Is it the cello? Would you call the cello a bass string?
The next string instrument down that is in the violin family is the viola. It is written in Alto cleff, but is often lumped in with the low strings
Branin
14-04-2005, 09:45
BUMPzez
Florestan
14-04-2005, 10:00
I play the piano and learn flute as a second instrument. I have won several prizes in international piano competitions and have passed my diploma in piano performance with distinction, so from that you can guess that I am a serious musician
Potaria
14-04-2005, 10:11
I played piano for a while. Nothing complex; just basic stuff. I've strummed a few chords on different guitars, and actuall done a few chord sequences. I've played a couple of basslines in their entirety.

That's about it... Though I do have a potentially powerful voice.
Cannot think of a name
14-04-2005, 10:25
I might be playing the tin whistle in an Irish play. Unless they find someone better. Which wouldn't be hard. But still, that'd be cool...
Satanic Chicken
15-04-2005, 00:15
I play classical piano, I've been learning for 9 years. I also play metal guitar and bass and do metal vox, also play a bit of the sax, clarinet and recorder (don't you love primary school).
Yupaenu
15-04-2005, 01:34
bassoon, violin, flute, accordian, percussion, euphonium, bassoon's my favourite though. i really wish i could play the piccollo heckelphon, i just need to find one(hard thing to do, they stopped making them in the 1920s, heheh)
Farfel
20-04-2005, 19:04
I play guitar, harmonica, a little keyboard, a few chords on mandolin, and i used to play drums.
Czardas
20-04-2005, 19:30
My main instrument: piano

Other instruments I can get by on: violin, viola, 'cello, and probably double bass, too

Instruments I want to learn how to play: percussion (drumkits, xylophone, snare drum, whatever)

Instruments I can't play: wind instruments

Other info: I also like composing pieces that are too hard for me to play, or anyone else for that matter. In response to a challenge from a friend of mine who plays the violin, I'm writing a concerto that will be too hard for him to play (or anyway memorize from beginning to end in 3 minutes, which is what he does with practically everything).

Stuff I want to learn how to do: write an opera, film score, or musical.
Wengren
20-04-2005, 19:33
I play the trumpet in the local communithy band and brass band (played it since middle school).

And I can play flute and sax alright (and whoever said that once you play sax, you've learn them all is so right - I learned the sax first and found it easy to pick up the flute AND the clarinet).

I do alright on the piano, although I do want to take lessons again. And I want to learn the guitar.
Powerhungry Chipmunks
20-04-2005, 20:34
Other info: I also like composing pieces that are too hard for me to play, or anyone else for that matter. In response to a challenge from a friend of mine who plays the violin, I'm writing a concerto that will be too hard for him to play (or anyway memorize from beginning to end in 3 minutes, which is what he does with practically everything).


Are your compositions tonal (using major/minor/other modes)? How long is the concerto?

As for my musical background, I played the trumpet in middle and high school, and have been dabbling in composition since about 2000--it's my main musical outlet.
Zotona
20-04-2005, 20:39
Right now, I can sing (not very good) and I can play the piano/keyboard (I'm okay, but not great). I also know how to play the recorder, since I had to learn in 4th grade music class. Let's see here... I can probably play the drums, too. I want to learn how to play the guitar. I plan to get voice lessons soon, but you'd be suprised how few vocal coaches there are in Alabama. I think as I get older my voice will get better, because my mom has a beautiful voice and said her mom and dad both had one.

Anyway, I write a lot of songs in a lot of different genres for myself, ranging from hip-hop to pop to r&b to rock to parody!
Sharazar
20-04-2005, 20:55
Currently working towards my grade 8 percussion, i want to do guildhalls general percussion exam (associated board never have percussionists for their percussion exams, how can they examine you if they don't understand the technical difficulties of a snare drum piece? :confused: )

I already have a great deal of orchestral experience, currently with the Essex Youth orchestra but mostly i do freelance work earning my beer money. :D

I play a little piano, but i did the associated board Jazz piano exams, and they've only released up to grade 5 so that's as far as i went. I'm probably closer to 6 or 7 standard tho.

I'm doing my AS exams in lower 6th at the mo, doing music AND music tech and hopefully continuing both. I'd love to do music at London College of Music and Media, and eventually go into composing film music, and LCMM is the only place i've found so far that offers a further level specifically in film music.

I LOVE TEH MUSIC! :) I'm known for wearing headphones 24/7, recently someone saw me in the school corridor without my headphones in and they nearly fell over in surprise.