Why Learning Music History is as Important as the Music Itself

Summary

In this insightful video, Roseanne emphasizes the importance of understanding the social and historical context of music when aspiring to emulate the styles of legendary artists like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. She encourages musicians to delve into the lineage of their influences, recognizing that originality is often rooted in the rich tapestry of predecessors. By exploring the background of songs and the times in which they were created, artists can develop a deeper respect for the music, enhancing their own expression and humanity in their craft.

Takeaways

• 🎼 Embrace Musical Modes: The speaker encourages learning to play modal music like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, emphasizing the importance of understanding musical modes.
• 🤔 Inner Dilemma: Roseanne experiences an inner conflict between teaching modal music and considering the social context of the music.
• 📚 Music History Matters: The importance of studying music history, including European and African-American music history, is highlighted to understand the context of the music.
• 🌟 Originality in Context: The script suggests that even when creating original music, one is influenced by a lineage of artists and music history.
• 👣 Historical Influence: Understanding the historical and social conditions that allowed musicians to express themselves can deepen one's appreciation for their work.
• 🎶 Music as Expression: Music is presented as a form of human expression, reflecting the humanity and viewpoints of the artists.
• 💔 Music and Emotion: Songs like 'Strange Fruit' by Billie Holiday convey deep emotions such as despair and the struggle for dignity.
• 🎵 Beyond the Music: The speaker advises to look beyond the notes and chords to understand the background of songs and artists for a richer perspective.
• 🌈 Music's Role in Society: Music, including love songs, carries political and social connotations that reflect the artists' experiences and beliefs.
• 🔍 Dig Deeper: The script encourages 'historical rummaging' to discover the conditions that shaped the music and the artists' expressions.
• 💡 Greater Sense of Purpose: By understanding the background of music and artists, one gains a deeper respect and a greater sense of purpose in their own musical creations.

Q & A

What dilemma did Roseanne face when a student wanted to learn modal music like Miles Davis and John Coltrane?

Roseanne faced an inner dilemma between teaching the student to play modal music by getting away from the tonal center and advising the student to understand the social context and history of the artists and music they were inspired by.

What does Roseanne suggest is important for a musician to understand about the music they play?

Roseanne suggests that it is important for musicians to understand the social context, the times, and the history of the music and artists they are inspired by to gain a deeper respect and perspective.

Why does Roseanne believe that understanding the history of music is important for a musician's creativity?

Roseanne believes that understanding the history of music can augment a musician's creativity by providing a deeper understanding of the conditions and influences that shaped the music and the artists.

What does Roseanne mean by 'even when you think you're being original, you are in a long lineage of people who've come before you'?

Roseanne means that even when a musician believes they are creating something entirely new, they are actually building upon the work and influence of countless artists and creators who came before them.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Marvin Gaye say it loud I'm black and I'm proud' in the context of the script?

The phrase signifies the importance of recognizing the political and social messages in music, and how these messages can reflect the artist's experiences and the times they lived in.

How does Roseanne connect the idea of expressing love in music to the broader concept of human expression?

Roseanne connects the idea of expressing love in music to human expression by stating that the viewpoint to the music we make is a reflection of our humanity, making it one of the most beautiful gifts of human expression.

What does Roseanne suggest is the role of music in reflecting an artist's viewpoint on life?

Roseanne suggests that music serves as a medium for artists to express their viewpoints on life, whether it's political, social, or about love and hope.

Why does Roseanne encourage musicians to 'do a little historical rummaging and digging'?

Roseanne encourages this to help musicians find out the conditions that allowed musicians and artists to express themselves, thereby gaining a greater sense of purpose and understanding of their own humanity when making music.

What does Roseanne imply about the relationship between a musician's personal beliefs and the music they create?

Roseanne implies that a musician's personal beliefs are intrinsic to the music they create, as these beliefs shape the depth, substance, and viewpoint of their musical expression.

How does the script suggest that understanding the background of songs or artists can impact a musician's own music-making?

The script suggests that understanding the background can give musicians a deeper respect, a new perspective, and a greater sense of purpose in their own music-making.