Reverse Engineering

At a recent clinic on developing the small school drum line, I discussed the concept of reverse engineering music and the western traditional way of learning. What I mean is to take aural learning (rote, by ear, etc) and converting it into reading. Breaking the standard modality and consequently accepting others into the fold.

Be honest, does the mention of learning by rote evoke a negative response?

Now consider other cultures- when you hear a virtuoso tabla player, do you shudder by the fact they probably learned through an aural tradition? A master gyil player from Ghana- same thing?

I've taught numerous students who weren't products of their public school music education system but could seriously play. They learned in church gospel bands, garage bands, and by listening to others and emulating.

They had 50% of what every musician needs. I taught the other 50%. Reading.

Both are important. Both are musical traits worthy of development.

Why do we transcribe solos when learning to improvise? Reverse engineering.

The same can be done with anything we play. Play it. Record it. Write it. Reverse engineered.

Have your students do the same. Have your drum line create a cadence, record it, and then write it down. Now it's recorded for next season and in print as well. You just opened the door to students who would not otherwise be interested and capable of playing.

Steel band... same thing. Teaching both sides reaches a larger pool of musicians and through skillful teaching, you can merge the two types of musicians, the readers and aural learners, into one.


Develop the skill in lessons, too. There's only an upside.

Visit my website at www.jameswdoyle.com