To read music or not to read music? That is the question....
So do you need to know how to read music to have a career playing guitar? Well the short answer is yes! Although there are some uber-talented players who have succeeded in having a professional career without being able to read music, there are few and far between. Super talented players such as Eddie Van Halen ,Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley, Robert Johnson, Mike Mondesir, Dave Grohl, Slash, Jimi Hemdrix could not read music. The difference between them and you and I are if we wanted to work professionally, in all likelihood we would be working for different artists, on different projects and in a range of different musical scenarios. This is where the ability to read music seriously enhances your chances of working. This week I have played in four West End shows, Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Everyone Is Talking About Jamie, and Kinky Boots. I have also been preparing charts (written music sheets) for a gig next week with Toyah Wilcox alongside improving my double bass playing. This would not have been possible without being able to read music. I simply would not be able to remember all of the four shows and learn new material fast enough to keep up with the work. As a bass teacher in Berkhamsted I obviously need to read music to teach my lessons and support my pupils.
But it is also very important to be able to ‘play by ear’. This is the skill of being able to listen to some music and then play it on your guitar. Another skill that is entirely necessary to reach a high level on your instrument. Each of these two skillsets are equally important parts of the bigger picture of an accomplished musician.
If you would like help beginning to learn music or need help improving then I can help you with this as part of your lesson. Anyone can learn with the right direction and a little bit of hard work!
See you next week.
Greg