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Seminar: Jim West, MIDI & EVI Lecture Art Molitierno, Reporter Out of necessity, West began using the computer to teach trumpet players. During exams, piano players might have to accompany an unending stream of players. With the use of the computer and such programs as Vivace and Smart Music, trumpeters could prepare their recitals to music that speeded up or slowed down to match their own pace and style. In addition, for a student having difficulty with the key of the composition, the programs allow the teacher to reconfigure the piece in an easier or a lower key so that the student may practice the piece at his or her level of development. Unlike tape recording, the computer allows sequencing altering the music’s tempo and pitch at the same time or independently. One of the especially practical uses of the computer as a teaching aid is its ability to act as a sophisticated metronome. Students can play Herbert L. Clarke’s technical studies at tempos that other metronomes cannot match. West demonstrated Clarke’s second technical study with a variety of metronome speeds, from an excruciatingly slow speed of one click every two measures to a lightening quick pace. Such exercises, West explained, are meant to help the player internalize the tempo. He pointed out that this technology should not make one reliant on the metronome. He especially emphasized using the metronome at slow settings to instill a sense of time in the player. West provided illustrations of such programs as Band-in-a Box allowing anyone to practice any type of music. This program allows users to create chord changes facilitating the practice of improvisation. The program also provides accompaniment in practically any style with rhythm accompaniment. An added feature is the program’s ability to supply musical notation. In effect, a player can create a fake book and practice pieces with a willing and untiring accompanist. Another useful program is Finale. While somewhat difficult to learn, Finale, West indicated, “will do practically anything.” As his own finale to an interesting and information-filled presentation, West presented a further outgrowth of the use of computers in music. Some time ago West’s performance and enthusiasm for the use of computer technology in enhancing the practice and the playing of musicians at all levels is infectious. It is apparent in listening to his trumpet and cornet playing that the computer is there to serve aspiring musicians and not simply replace them with digital data. |
Program
Sonate............................................................ Paul Hindemith Concertino #1............................................. Henri Maury Trio, Op. 87.......................................................... Ludwig van Beethoven |
ccompanist who will never tire and who will always play at the desired tempo.
Nyle Steiner invented an electronic instrument that is played like a trumpet, with three keys for valves and a fourth key used for switching octaves. EVI, know as electric valve instrument, is a breath-controlled synthesizer. The sound may be altered in many ways and the range of the instrument is seven octaves. One can find this instrument utlized by Steiner and others on countless filmscores and studio recordings. West has used the instrument to play music not normally attempted on trumpet, such as violin parts. To demonstration, he performed a trio written for two oboes and English horn, Beethoven’s opus 87. Joining West to demonstrate EVI’s capabilities 2001 Conference host Timothy J. Zifer and ITG Web site director Michael Anderson.