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When I was a kid (in the 80ies) electronic music from synthesizers was booming. I already felt that becoming really proficient on a musical instrument was a was

by Tichy 13y ago

When I was a kid (in the 80ies) electronic music from synthesizers was booming. I already felt that becoming really proficient on a musical instrument was a waste of time, because computers would be able to do better. Same for drawing and painting. While I would also have liked to become a musician, for me the essential thing was composing music, not performing it in a perfect manner. As far as I know the famous composers of the past also were not necessarily the best performers (certainly the case if they composed for an orchestra, as they couldn't play all those instruments themselves). They had people who would perform for them. Possibly amateurs who make music today have far better options for expressing themselves than in the old days. I am not convinced that it is a huge loss if having to practice for several hours every day of your life just to be able to make music is such a great thing. Rather, thinking about such a life makes me a bit sad. Even though admittedly many such musicians probably have a more fulfilled life than I have atm.

hvidgaard 13y ago
As you mention yourself, you don't get the same from playing the music as others do. For all but professional musicians, it's a hobby - just like some people like building cars, or program, or do woodworking, or a million of other things that require skill and experience to achieve mastery. And this mastery requires a creativity that computer do not have, and in my opinion, will never get unless we come up with a radical new computation model. The satisfaction you get from sitting down, and play some music that express your current emotions exactly, or the emotional state you'd like to be in, is just great. I played the piano as a child, and for reasons out of my control I stopped, and have never really been able to pick it up again. I still hope I will some day - just have to sit down and play on that piano I have.

by Tichy 13y ago

hvidgaard 13y ago

As you mention yourself, you don't get the same from playing the music as others do. For all but professional musicians, it's a hobby - just like some people like building cars, or program, or do woodworking, or a million of other things that require skill and experience to achieve mastery. And this mastery requires a creativity that computer do not have, and in my opinion, will never get unless we come up with a radical new computation model. The satisfaction you get from sitting down, and play some music that express your current emotions exactly, or the emotional state you'd like to be in, is just great. I played the piano as a child, and for reasons out of my control I stopped, and have never really been able to pick it up again. I still hope I will some day - just have to sit down and play on that piano I have.