The "software toy" is something we're seeing more of casual gaming grows as a market niche. Which kind of software do you find more conducive to experiencing music as an art form: a game (such as Guitar Hero or Rock Band) which player objectives and a reward/penalty system, or a toy (such as Wii Music) where the entire focus is on freeform experimentation? Which do you find best for teaching music?
Elaine: As an art form, in my personal definition of art, I would have to say the freeform software. One of my proudest video game music accomplishments is second-handedly convincing one of the University of Florida professors to play a little Electroplankton and the professor loving it. There are other composers out there that have been installing custom softwares in Wiis so they they can use the motions of the Wiimote to compose music. Games like Guitar Hero or even Dance Dance Revolution I think of more as games that promote and promote the appreciation of existing music, stressing fun more than creation.
So far as teaching goes, it really depends on the audience you have to approach. A composer friend had a theory student who was having a lot of trouble doing harmonic analysis (when someone listens to a piece of music and tell what kinds of chords are being used.) When he found out that student really liked Metallica, he told the kid to analyze Metallica music, which worked beautifully. Popular music games are probably fantastic for teaching budding musicians in those genres about chord changes, rhythms, coordination, and a familiarity with the repertoire. But like I mentioned above about the composition softwares, in some places the freeform experimentation is also a great way to introduce just how expansive the musical world is.
Jillian: I guess that depends on whether you believe in primarily teaching form or creativity. Games like Guitar Hero are probably more useful for teaching technical dexterity, but music as an art form would not continue to evolve if it weren’t for some wiggle room. I hope that the industry continues to pursue both approaches!
Nicole: For experiencing music and as an art form, I believe either type of video game to be conducive. With Guitar Hero or Rock Band, you learn the more objective side of music, such as its structure, and with Wii Music you get to be more expressive. The complexity of music requires both objectivity and subjectivity, which all of these games combined provide. When teaching music, however, I believe Guitar Hero or Rock Band to be best. In my opinion, the objective properties of music are its foundation and before one can express himself well, he needs to be knowledgeable in what makes up this foundation.
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It was a pleasure discussing video games and music with such talented musicians. Their responses gave me much to think about and shed great light on how the two art forms of game design and music work together; and how music can enhance a gamer’s experience and a game’s potential.
Head over to OverClocked ReMix’s website and check out what’s going on. You’ll be glad you did.
Elaine: As an art form, in my personal definition of art, I would have to say the freeform software. One of my proudest video game music accomplishments is second-handedly convincing one of the University of Florida professors to play a little Electroplankton and the professor loving it. There are other composers out there that have been installing custom softwares in Wiis so they they can use the motions of the Wiimote to compose music. Games like Guitar Hero or even Dance Dance Revolution I think of more as games that promote and promote the appreciation of existing music, stressing fun more than creation.
So far as teaching goes, it really depends on the audience you have to approach. A composer friend had a theory student who was having a lot of trouble doing harmonic analysis (when someone listens to a piece of music and tell what kinds of chords are being used.) When he found out that student really liked Metallica, he told the kid to analyze Metallica music, which worked beautifully. Popular music games are probably fantastic for teaching budding musicians in those genres about chord changes, rhythms, coordination, and a familiarity with the repertoire. But like I mentioned above about the composition softwares, in some places the freeform experimentation is also a great way to introduce just how expansive the musical world is.
Jillian: I guess that depends on whether you believe in primarily teaching form or creativity. Games like Guitar Hero are probably more useful for teaching technical dexterity, but music as an art form would not continue to evolve if it weren’t for some wiggle room. I hope that the industry continues to pursue both approaches!
Nicole: For experiencing music and as an art form, I believe either type of video game to be conducive. With Guitar Hero or Rock Band, you learn the more objective side of music, such as its structure, and with Wii Music you get to be more expressive. The complexity of music requires both objectivity and subjectivity, which all of these games combined provide. When teaching music, however, I believe Guitar Hero or Rock Band to be best. In my opinion, the objective properties of music are its foundation and before one can express himself well, he needs to be knowledgeable in what makes up this foundation.
***
It was a pleasure discussing video games and music with such talented musicians. Their responses gave me much to think about and shed great light on how the two art forms of game design and music work together; and how music can enhance a gamer’s experience and a game’s potential.
Head over to OverClocked ReMix’s website and check out what’s going on. You’ll be glad you did.
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