Let’s establish some foundations in the realm of music instruction, particularly from the perspective of a Chicago music instructor. In classical music, performers are trained to play precisely what is written on the page. While some classical musicians can improvise or compose, they are not the same multitude found in the vibrant world of jazz. In classical music, there is little room for jamming.
Instead, classical musicians learn how to play their instrument with the most definition, accuracy, and expression. They agonize over one song, and sometimes one passage in that song, what am I saying? Sometimes one single note will keep them up at night! Technique and phrasing, tempo, ties, dynamics, and a hundred other elements will be thought about, weighted carefully, then played with the utmost delicate touch.
That’s for Classical music.
What about Rock? It seems that in the world of music Rock and Pop are not held in as high regard as Jazz or Classical music. And yet it should be! Yes, I am very aware that I am saying something highly controversial here but let’s consider punk music, often viewed as the bottom of the pit of rock .The sense of harmony, rhythm, melodies, and dynamics can all of that seems basic or even simplistic to the more “serious” musician.
To be seen.
When The Clash were forming their band, they had all the members but for the drummer. So, they started auditioning… they invited 10 drummers, then 20 more, then 50 more. Joe Strummer, the leader of The Clash, quipped that they must have listened to all the drummers in London before settling on the great Topper Headon. They didn’t want second best.
When Blondie, another prominent figure of punk music, was about to record her first album she insisted to have her regular band member on the tracks. The producer thought differently. He judged them sloppy or inexperienced, in other word he was convinced they weren’t ready. Blondie was not budging: it would be her musicians or nothing. Very well, the producer decided to play along. He proceeded to make them rehearse the songs they were about to record. Every song was played again and again and again. To the point the band thought they were never going to record, just rehearse the same songs for ever. They churned those tunes so much that it became second nature for them, no note was left to chance, everything was thoroughly polished up and carved in granite. Eventually they recorded the album.
Does this method remind you of something? The Classical musician’s method? Yes, you guessed it. I’m glad you’re following my demonstration.
The French drummer Manu Katché was trained in classical music. He won a prize in percussion and became a timpanist. He also worked on the drum set extensively. He has accompanied both the top French and international artists. He is used to work with demanding people like Sting or Peter Gabriel. During an interview, someone was asking him if the French singer/songwriters are as demanding as their Anglo-Saxons counterparts. “Absolutely” was his answer, “they both care as much about the music”. I bet you that his education in Classical music comes in handy when they turn the microphones on.
What’s my point? Music is music. Either you care or you don’t. And a second point: agonizing the details might be one of the keys to success. If you’re seeking to elevate your musicianship in Chicago, remember that the dedication to meticulous practice and an understanding of music in its many forms can lead to remarkable achievements.
This is The Clash.
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