I downloaded the sample flute lesson from Scoiltrad a few days ago. I really enjoy it and I’ll surely buy a listen before too long. But I do have one question. I’ve been listening to the variations and noticed differences.
This is Irish music so it’s never going to carbon copy but I thought the differences in the sheet music and what Conal plays to be more different than I could figure out. This is mostly in the first variation. I also have trouble following along in part B. It seems like there’s more going on there than what’s on paper, even considering that it is Irish music.
So if anybody has any hints or tips I would appreciate them. I know there are a few Scoiltrad students on the forum and the instructor himself posts now and again.
Cheers,
Aaron
Hello Aaron
As this quey is about a specific class element I’m not sure if there is much public interest served by going through the details on this forum. However drop me a mail at info@scoiltrad.com and I will be more than willing to give you any clarification you need.
A general comment I would make however in relation to notation versus what is played is that it is next to impossible to notate a tune exactly as it is played (and even if it were I’m not convinced that it would serve any real purpose). The variations featured in the notation are not the only variations played in the tune so maybe this is what is confusing matters. But as you point out yourself…thats traditional music for you !
Anyway give me a shout and I will help in any way I can
Beir Bua
Conal
Just how far of the written music was the version that they played.
I have been thinking of taking some of their lessons but I have difficulty learning by ear. If the variation ot the tunes they are using are too far off that would make them useless to someone like me.
Hello Wizzer,
In general the notation given is for the basic shape of the tune…rolls, triplets etc where appropriate are included…and is perfectly adequate for learning the melody. The structure of the class however does not depend wholly on the comprehensiveness of the notation. The tune is slowed down (to 50% & 80% of normal pace) to facilitate learning both by ear and notation and the ornamentation techniques are demonstrated using both video (slow and fast motion) and finger charts. This way we are able to accomodate both those who learn from notation and those who learn by ear.
In my experience learning by ear is both faster and more accurate and is a skill that can be developed over time. However I fully understand that some people are not completely comfortable with this and therefore we have included the notation as well.
BTW, in my opinion by far the most valuable part of the class is the assessment feature where the student gets individualised feedback on their own playing. This is where the real learning occurs.
Beir Bua
Conal
I agree that learning by ear is far better way of getting a tune down.
But there are those of us who have not yet developed the skills necessary to do so or we are somewhat tone delft. I for one find it very difficult to remember a melody, though I am working on this.
This being said we still like to play and the written notation along with sound file, is not an option but a must have if we are to learn a tune.
It is easy for some to dismiss our lack of talent as lack of effort but I’m sure you will find others who are as tone challenged as I am. So do not dismiss our need for the notation and keep it as close to what is played as possible. We on our part will strive to make use of both tools to produce a sound that closely resembles the original.
I’m not tone deaf, but “tone stupid”, and rely on sheet music to learn tunes. BBBUUUTTT, the scoiltrad lessons include sound clips and video. The video is great because you see how Conal gets the sounds you’re hearing, in many respects, the video is even better than a complete transcription.
Give one a try, once you work through it, I’m sure you’ll find the combination of formats works fine.
Good luck,
jb
On 2002-09-24 13:58, Wizzer wrote:
So do not dismiss our need for the notation and keep it as close to what is played as possible. We on our part will strive to make use of both tools to produce a sound that closely resembles the original.
Hi Wizzer, you don’t really have to worry about playing all the added variations in your assessment recording if you can’t catch them by ear. Variations are just variations, and you can make up some of your own which are equally valid once you are very familiar with the basic tune. Moreover, I think Scoiltrad includes a couple of notated variations in each lesson. There isn’t such a thing as “the original” when it comes to variations, only the basic melody and even that can vary slightly.
And like Conal mentioned, the notation in each lesson is perfectly adequate for learning the basic melody, so it’s basically quite a complete system. Incidentally have you tried out Scoiltrad’s sample lessons yet? It will give you a basic idea of how the lessons are like sans assessment.
[ This Message was edited by: Eldarion on 2002-09-24 22:51 ]
Wizzer wrote:
Do not dismiss…etc
Ah Wizzer…where did you get the notion that I was dismissing the need for notation ? It IS included in all the classes both for the basic melody and the variations.
We don’t dismiss anything…if students want something and we can provide it then they get it.
Eldarions point is also very valid..the variations included in the class notes are suggestions only, to introduce the concept of variation to the student and to give an example of the possibilities as well as the tutors own choices. Each student is encouraged to incorporate their own variations and will get feedback on them from the tutor during the assessment stage.
Beir Bua
Conal
Thanks, Conal, for the help. I rattled off an email to you.
Cheers,
Aaron