Education

This page is dedicated to educating visitors. I feel it is very important to communicate up front and very clearly that my way is not “The Way” by any means. It is “A Way” but I fully know it is not the only way. It’s just my way. Actually, I don’t know that I should even call it “My Way.” Out of infinite possibilities, this is one way.

However, since this is my website and I am the creator of this content, I can tell you that what you read on this page is my experience and my thoughts. Coincidentally, I understand that’s all I can really offer; a perspective from my point of view.

Charlie Parker said, “Don't be afraid, just play the music. Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don’t live it, it won’t come out your horn. They teach you there’s a boundary line to music, but, man, there’s no boundary line to art.”

There’s a few things I feel I must state in order to properly express my thoughts. To me, the above quote by Bird is Confirmation (lol!) that music = life. Let me explain.

Miriam Webster defines music as

1A - vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony

1B - the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity

This definition does not satisfy me. We know all music has 3 components: melody, harmony, and rhythm. So definition 1A seems to cover the whole concept, right? Ok, well then, why is there a definition 1B? Suddenly, Miriam decides to elaborate. But why? I think it is because of one tricky word - Sound.

Sound:

1A - a particular auditory impression : TONE

1B - The sensation perceived by the sense of hearing

1C - mechanical radiant energy that is transmitted by longitudinal pressure waves in a material medium (such as air) and is the objective cause of hearing

Ok, now we have a few more things to address. As you can see, the rabbit hole goes deeper. I like this kind of material for thought!

Webster’s definition for Music 2B says “the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession…” Excuse me, but that is kind of scary and yet extremely fascinating at the same time. Why? Because it’s very useful. Allow me to explain.

Science says all matter is made of molecules which are made of atoms etc… I’m don’t going into the nitty gritty of this subject but what we need to understand from this is that NOTHING is still. Atoms and molecules are moving - VIBRATING AT CERTAIN FREQUENCIES. Go on and conduct your due diligence to investigate this subject. Catch up and let’s proceed. It’s not up for debate. This is matter of fact.

Here is my problem with Webster’s definition 1A of Music. The definition implies that sound, in and of itself, does not have melody, harmony, or rhythm. I believe there are levels to this. It matters how serious you are about understanding truth. Is it true that a sound does not have melody, harmony, or rhythm? Well, on one hand, if I come up to you and drag out the word “Hey” in a monotone voice for 10 seconds, you might probably get annoyed after 6 seconds. Most likely, you won’t be impressed when I am through. I am willing to bet that you would NOT consider that to be MUSIC. And that is ok. This is your truth. Your truth is based on the sensation perceived by YOUR sense of hearing which allows you to conclude that a 10-second dragged out monotone “Hey” is NOT music. Ok. Very well. Have it YOUR way.

………But is your truth THE truth?? (What’s so important or significant about “Truth” anyway?)

A sound is a frequency, right? Yes. Yes it is. Hey Miriam…..

Frequency

the number of repetitions of a periodic process in a unit of time: such as

3A - the number of complete alternations (see ALTERNATION)

per second of an alternating current

3B - the number of complete oscillations (see OSCILLATION) per second of energy (such as sound or electromagnetic radiation) in the form of waves

(Look up Alternation, then allomorph, then morpheme, then phoneme…… this all leads in the direction of language, and yes, music IS a language)

(I will save you the trouble… oscillations have to do with time, which is a way to measure pulse or rhythm)

To me, if it has rhythm, then it can be used musically, which basically means, it IS music. Just go on YouTube and check out Jacob Collier and you’ll see what I mean.

But what about melody and harmony? Simple. Whether you can perceive it or not, all frequencies oscillate in such a manner to produce resonant frequencies. We refer to those as overtones. From those overtones, you can pick any combination or all resonant frequencies to apply as harmony. It’s already built in! The main frequency IS the melody. Though this concept might not be fun or creative in the sense that perhaps it may not inspire the imagination, what still is, is.

And THAT is why I mentioned that Webster’s definition 2B for Music is kind of scary yet fascinating.

Science or art or both?

Miriam Webster proposes In definition 2B of Music to be a science or an art. To me, the difference in distinguishing between the two is a very big deal.

Science:

1A - knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method

1B - such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena : NATURAL SCIENCE

2A - a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study

the science of theology

2B - something (such as a sport or technique) that may be studied or learned like systematized knowledge

have it down to a science

3 - a system or method reconciling practical ends with scientific laws

cooking is both a science and an art

4 - capitalized : CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

5 - the state of knowing : knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or

Art:

1 - skill acquired by experience, study, or observation

the art of making friends

2A - a branch of learning:

(1) one of the humanities

(2)arts plural : LIBERAL ARTS

2B - archaic : LEARNING, SCHOLARSHIP

3 - an occupation requiring knowledge or skill

the art of organ building

4A - the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects

the art of painting landscapes

also : works so produced

a gallery for modern art

4B -

(1): FINE ARTS

(2): one of the fine arts

(3): one of the graphic arts

5A - archaic : a skillful plan

5B - the quality or state of being artful (see ARTFUL sense 2a)

6 - decorative or illustrative elements in printed matter

Music as a science implies it’s control and manipulation based on evidence. Music as art implies more of a function for communication as an expression as a means to control and manipulate notwithstanding.

To be continued…