What Music Means to Me

Episode 18: Musical Fusion

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:05:00 +0000

Throughout music's history, right up to the current day, composers, arrangers and performers have sought to merge diverse musical traditions in order to create hybrid styles. Whether it's combining music from different cultures, genres, or even time periods, musical fusions have yielded some interesting results. In this episode we examine the idea of musical fusion.

Episode 17: The Significant Role of Repetition in Understanding Music

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:04:00 +0000

In this episode, we'll discuss the significance of repetition in music. Specifically, we’ll look at how the right mix of repetition and variation of musical ideas – on both a small- and large-scale – contributes to how music is understood by listeners. Whether you want the "inside scoop" on some cool things to listen for when hearing music, or perhaps even want to compose yourself and are looking for how to make your music communicate more effectively, please listen in!

Episode 16: The Interesting Intersection of Modern Art Criticism, Music Technology, and Philosophy's "Hegelian Dialectic"!

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:35:00 +0000

Windows PC vs. Mac OS computers. Finale vs. Sibelius music notation software. Have you noticed that people tend to ally themselves to some consumer products with an almost evangelical fervor? In this episode, we look at the implications of this dynamic, in both broad and specific terms, for users of music technology.

Episode 15: Music That Changed My Life, or, The Powerful Music of My Youth

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:48:00 +0000

Recent studies show that what you listen to in your formative years and youth not only shapes your musical tastes, but the way your brain learns to perceive music. I believe it also helps define who you are, and who you are becoming. I know it did with me.

Episode 14: Please...Don't Quit.

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 19:31:00 +0000

The decision to quit studying an instrument should be approached with care and prudence. Maybe you’re a parent of a student in band or strings facing this decision and you’d like some insight, or maybe you’re a younger band or strings teacher dealing with students in this situation yourself and you’d like some perspective. In this episode, I hope to share some thoughts to give you wisdom and confidence in deciding.

Episode 13: Holiday CD Project

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 14:14:00 +0000

Get into the holiday spirit with excerpts of seasonal music produced by students in Dr. Watson's Music Production class. These tracks are from their CD, entitled "Parkland: A Season for Giving." Proceeds from the sale of the CD are donated to a local charity, this year a homeless shelter.

Episode 12: When Rules Foster Freedom

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 22:28:00 +0000

When it comes to artistic expression, you would probably think parameters and constraints stifle creativity. "Au contrair, mon frere!" says Watson in this podcast about using rules and guidelines when working with students on compositions and other creative projects.

Episode 11: Eight Principles for Unlocking Creativity

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:21:00 +0000

Having worked with students on creative projects for some time now and in a variety of scenarios, I’ve arrived at a series of principles I use to shepherd kids along in the process of composing, arranging, and producing music. Follow these eight guidelines and I guarantee that you’ll be impressed by the creative products turned out by students of any age.

Episode 10: Intersection of Life and Music

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:50:00 +0000

From a rough high school trumpet lesson, to reflections on Plato's famous "cave" analogy, Episode 10 discusses both how life informs music and music informs our understanding of reality...HEADY STUFF INDEED from the fellow who in an earlier episode vaunted the virtues of marching band!

Episode 9: Encounter with Excellence

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 04:05:00 +0000

Having a vision for excellence and beauty - for a perfect ideal - enables us to reach higher, achieve more, and appreciate goodness. When we have experienced excellence and beauty, we want it more for both ourselves and others. Music is a great medium in which to strive for excellence and beauty, and should be encountered often, if only in a small way.

Episode 8: The Awesomeness of Pedal Point (Non-Harmonic Tones, part deux).

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 07:52:00 +0000

Episode 7 included some life lessons we find by examining the way composers deploy "Non-Harmonic Tones." Episode 8 continues the discussion with a Non-Harmonic Tone Watson loves to hear in music, and use in his own compositions...the Pedal Point. With roots in music's past and lots of cool application in the music of today, the Pedal Point is a non-harmonic tone extraordinaire!

Episode 7: Non-Harmonic Tones, Diversity, and Delayed Gratification

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 10:13:00 +0000

Watson draws two important life lessons from an unlikely place - music theory. Much Western music has an underlying chordal - or harmonic - structure. But composers add much beauty to the surface of their music through the use of notes not in these skeletal chords. Hear what these Non-Chord Tones can teach us about life!

Episode 6: The Thing About Rhythm

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 22:01:00 +0000

Of all the so-called "Elements of Music", find out why Dr. Watson feels Rhythm is king! In this episode, Watson painlessly explains what is so primal about rhythm using demonstrations from the world of acoustics and sound synthesis.

Episode 5: School Music Contributes So Much

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:06:00 +0000

Depending on where you live, the music program in your local school district may be thriving or it may be facing cutbacks or even elimination. If the former, cherish your local school's music program for all the ways it enriches the life of its students, their families, and the greater community. But if the later, be an advocate for music in the schools.

Episode 4: When Copying is Good!

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:47:00 +0000

Nobody likes busy work, and copying music by hand seems like the most mundane chore. Yet Watson shares what might be gained by copying music as in the days of old!

Episode 3: The Powerful Language of Music

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:14:00 +0000

Many people compare music to a language. Where does the analogy hold up and where does it break down? If music is a language, must it communicate specifically, and does it have "bad words" as with the spoken and written word?

Episode 2: Marching Band

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:10:00 +0000

Despite the common misconception, kids in marching band are some of the coolest kids in school. And participating in marching band has a lot in common with, and similar benefits to, playing a demanding sport. Go bandos!

Episode 1: Introduction

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:33:00 +0000

In this premiere episode I lay out the premise for the Podcast and share a little bit of my life in music.