Young People And Instruments/music, how many young players around? less than past years? Options

[Iron King]

I think that music education in formal or basic schools, whatever is it called should be better. Kids should listen to modern music more, rock, blues and jazz as well as classical - not just classical. This way they have a choice, and they can get interested easily in music.

I couldn't agree more
When I was in high school, the only forms of music recognized were Jazz and Classical. We had a mandatory music program, and it was pretty intensive. Now even though we were forced to practice a lot, and became quite good musicians, very few people were interested in the music being played. Because of being forced to play music that we didn't like, a lot of students discouraged from all types of music.

That being said, there are a lot of guitar players around. Most of them are pretty bad, with no training and relying on power chords, but there are also A LOT of great guitar players. That's kind of the curse of guitar, you always have to compete with a lot of other people.

Where I am, I only know of 3 people that play guitar. Music just isn't as popular as it once was. One factor is that kids lack the patience to put in the hard work required but I think another big factor is parents.

It seems to me that all the focus today is on the sciences and maths, arts like music are frowned upon by parents because it isn't as secure. A lot of parents will push their kids towards the sciences but consider music a waste of time.

For example, when I was fifteen I begged my parents for a guitar. They refused, saying it was a waste of money and that I only thought I wanted to play, but would soon grow out of it. So I didnt get one, when summer came around, I got a job and bought one myself...

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[Tjchep]

Well. At my school there are a total of

3 bass players, 2 are really good, the other one ehh..

about 40 ish guitarist, 30 are terrible the other 10 are fine, but most are rhythm players. Last year there was 2 guys that I think could totally cut it in a prog metal band, realllly good.

5 drummers, 2 good ones.

So I mean there is still some people that put some effort into music, but everyone would rather just have a guitar and know how to play some stinky little song to get some chicks..

And its really really really hard to even find a jam session for me now besides a couple good friends.But the people less interested person usually makes up an excuse that he wants to go to a party or whatever instead having no desire to get better. And Having a band get together is like hell..

I tried it once, Me and the drummer where there, bassist didnt show up and the other guitarist / lead singer didn't either.

So I think there are some people that try to be good, but when It comes to going somewhere with music, there are very few people that I know that will do it.

But at my guitar center I always walk in and hear some kid a little older than me rippin it pretty hard. So I think there are some people. And they ussually find other band members.

Here, I think there are good gigs, one of my friends started to get gigs 3-5 times a week as a senior in high school.

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[Scott Gentzen]

I see many kids here trying to play and practice
but they quit too easily...

This was me 20 years ago.

We had a guitar program in school but it was straight classical. Tried learning to play guitar from a friend of mine, but it never worked out. I ended up playing sax and I was pretty good at it. The sad thing was that I learned almost no theory. I learned to play a lot of songs but had no idea how music worked.

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[SLASH91]

But at my guitar center I always walk in and hear some kid a little older than me rippin it pretty hard. So I think there are some people. And they ussually find other band members.

I think that a guitar store is probably the best place to find other skilled musicians.

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[mattacuk]

Back in the 80's everyone wanted to play guitar, it really was the eara of shred!! Big haired and Badly dressed, you had heros such as Paul Gilbert, Satch, Malmsteen, EVH to name just a few.... Not supprising then everyone wanted to be in a band !!

Today its all about instant everything, instant music, instant video games, instant coffee

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[blindwillie]

Where I live the music scene have been very active the last years after a dark period. Quite a few bands from here have reached some amount of fame in their genre and a new breed is up and coming.

Their main problem is to get support in the beginning, the first stumbling steps where you need guidance and support. Before you know and understand enough to be able to get along by yourself. Lack of teaching.
The last couple of years they've got more places to perform for an audience and once a month the concert hall is open for the local bands. It's free for them and the audience.

All this come as a result of the success of the previous generation of groups I think. That started a movement and interest.

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[Crazyfret]

+1 on Ivan's comments and Iron King's

I must admit I found the way music was taught was really 'dull' and in no way related to the music I was listening to. Not surprisingly I found music lessons uninsipring. How could I relate the notes on the stave if I wasn't playing an instrument.

Also one thing with the passage of time you appreiciate different styles of music. It something that I didn't have as a child .

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[Erol]

I agree with Jerry about disappearance of guitar solos which I find unacceptable. That's one of the main reasons that affect on my music choice. I don't listen to any of those "new" rock bands. There's a genre (you've all heard of it) which seems to be very popular and it's called "alternative rock". I think that's the most boooooring and most horrible rock subgenre ever. I apologize if I've insulted anyone, but that's my opinion. There are same 3 chords circulating through the whole song, there's no solo, and all parts of the songs are the same.. Ok the chorus is usually different; but not necessarily. I often meet people who dress like "rockers", and when I ask them about their favourite bands, they start talking about Linkin Park, Green Day, Maroon Five etc. and that's when I start asking myself about the true meaning of life and whole human race existance. I think I've gone off the tracks a bit Anyway, I recommend everyone to search for a South Park episode calleed "Guitar Queer-o-s" (I think it's spelled like this) and everything will be clear to you

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This post has been edited by Erol: May 13 2008, 02:03 AM

[Jerry Arcidiacon...]

O-oh, my old topic

Thank you all guys for your posts.

That's one of the main reasons that affect on my music choice. I don't listen to any of those "new" rock bands. There's a genre (you've all heard of it) which seems to be very popular and it's called "alternative rock".

Mmm... this is almost the same for me. I can listen old bands for hours and hours and without boring myself.
Anyway, I like some songs from Incubus, as example.

Anyway, I recommend everyone to search for a South Park episode calleed "Guitar Queer-o-s" (I think it's spelled like this) and everything will be clear to you

I will check this for sure

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[Daniel Robinson]

I think the other problems here at least in the States is that its a budget issue.

When i was in school i was in both Jazz bands, both concert bands and marching band playing all different instruments.


Right now in the U.S. there is a big campaign going on, i am sure if you live here will have seen the commercials "Save the music"


The problem here in our public schools is budget issues to have decent music programs. I really think as time goes by its going to be more of a problem as the public schools population increases. There just isnt enough national funding for music programs.

Why its so important for parents to get involved in these problems and encourage and insist on decent music programs in their school districts.

Its a fact that students who participate in strong music programs have better grades, and get into trouble less often then those who don't.

I am a firm believer in this.

Daniel

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[Jerry Arcidiacon...]

Thank you for sharing your experience Daniel.

We have YouTube now and we can see almost everything. So, all the guys can check what they like.

BUT... I think also television and radio should help by increasing the quality of their contents.

I'm talking for Italy, of course. Don't know what happen around the world exactly.

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