Re: Mindless Noodling-- the Link With Real Understanding?
I grew up in a musical background (both parents were pros), but that has not helped me to understand music theory - so rest assured you didn't miss out.
The way I am wired it took an experiment in physics to turn on the light: every single tone we hear is a composite of a basic frequency plus integer multiples of that frequency (aka overtones). Two tones sound good together if their overtones match, "sour" if they don't. The overtones correspond with known intervals if divided down into the first octave (basic frequency x 2 = octave, x 3 (->3/2) = fifth and so on). Understanding is much easier for me once there is one mathematically simple rule. Musicians were often not able to give me that, because they have a view based on their instrument (e.g. the piano). Music theory should not be just left to musicians.
Playing alone is not doom, but company definitely has its advantages. In your situation, I'd go with some multitrack recording software and play along with myself, thereby learning how to keep time, play melody in variations and how to accompany. The situation may change (e.g. global warming might enable a good jam session near you ), and then you are prepared.
Bertram
the world is better off without bad ideas, good ideas are better off without the world
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