Back to the future?

[NickC]

I would welcome re-doing my degree (music degree, but not accordion) as an adult. I was a lot "smarter" (sarcasm) back then and there are a lot of things that I would do differently. I feel like I have a good understanding of where my studies were deficient. If I were to re-do it, like you mentioned, it would be for me and not the degree. Good luck and congratulations!

 

[Tom]

Good luck to you, Jerry! I think this will be an awesome endeavor for you and you will get great enjoyment and work balance.

To answer your original question, no, this is way over my head. But some lessons from a very good teacher or course would be nice.

 

[JerryPH]

After 1 week (well really about 3-4 hours of total practice time (just counting this past Monday to Saturday), my mother says she hears a difference... I don't, but what would have taken me a week in my prime today is going to take me a month as a beginner, so in a way a bit disappointing, but I am trying to keep it real.

The materials have still not arrived and just to help me set realistic expectations, I'm kind of not counting September as anything more but the month to scratch off some rust (lol).

Two interesting things *did* happen, though. After about an hour just half-heartedly moving through scales, triads and chords on the free bass yesterday I just decided to put down the Morino and grab up the 8X. It was the first time in about a month since I played the Roland, and though moving from the incredible Morino keyboard to the 8X keyboard was SUPER evident, my body was able to make the internal changes to play smoothly and quickly on the 8X with no real discomfort... that kind of surprised me, as this never happened before!

Since I had no specific song I wanted to play, I just started going through the sets/sounds and hit a few notes to hear the registrations. As I putzed through the sounds, I found two registrations that in my head perfectly matched 2 songs that are pretty easy to play and that just put a big smile on my face, so, with a bit of polishing I'll plug in the camera and record one or both just so I keep my YouTube channel alive a bit.

Today is just a day filled with chores starting since 6:00am, but its surprisingly only 1/2 done and I have all tasks done (right down to washing 2 cars and mowing the lawn front and back!), so basically a few hours to burn some premium fuel later this afternoon while doing a little cruising, and maybe a couple hours on the Morino is a nice way to end my day with a smile.

What a great way to spend a day!

 

[John M]

Similar to Jerry, I am playing my FR-8X more that my Excelsior 960. I like the touch/feel of the 8X better. I am used to the feel of a Hammond B3. The 8X is more like the Hammond requiring a lighter touch and faster response of the keyboard. I also enjoy the large variety of sounds that I can get from the 8X. I enjoy trying to match simple songs to the tone of the instrument and use a wide variety of tones. Making changes keeps me and the audience more interested. For example, when I play a smooth slow song like anniversary waltz, and then follow with Oh Susanna or Polly Wolly Doodle, using the 8X Banjo sound, the audience loves it. Within a given song I will change octaves/tones often. The changes keep the songs from getting boring with repetition.

My dad always told me--Variety is the Spice of Life--he was right.

John M.

 

[JerryPH]

Odd coincidence, the Donau Wellen or "Anniversary Waltz" would be one I personally prefer to play on acoustic and is in a future works to record.

The thing is most people know the short version, I have notation for the 4-page version... it's easily about 4-5 minutes in duration when one follows all the repeats. I suppose I play it in a slightly more classical style with tons of speed variations than the manner in which one would play it for people dancing.

 

[John M]

I do prefer playing it on my acoustic accordion. I was just using that waltz (which I play slow with feeling) as an example for a quick song/tempo/tone change using the 8X when I am playing for an audience. I don't take both accordions with me.

John M.

 

[JerryPH]

Oh, I'd have to agree, with the 8X, there are very few reasons needed to bring out another one on a performance.

 

[Mockie]

Congratulations on your new course!

I nearly took my master's degree in art (theory, criticism). I loved and enjoyed studying at university, and was among the most fecund period of my life. I eventually realized that, aside from the personal satisfaction of studying, obtaining the degree would merely qualify me to teach. I had absolutely zero interest in a life in academia. And so I took my degree in other fields.

A formal program exposes you to particular sources of information and enables opportunities, which facilitates an exquisite environment for learning. However, there are also opportunities elsewhere, outside of academia, of course.

Good luck Jerry, you only get one life...Go for it..