by Raymond » Thu Jan 06, 2005 4:51 am
Dvon,
Only a few of the well known percussionists went to formal musical school. Formal meaning perhaps completing a schooling that involved high school and music studies and/or going to college and/or doing a little but not completing it. Some of them went to music school for another instrument and then picked up on percussion. Some picked the percussion from the top.
Anyway, yes, Sabrosona's recommendation is good one. Have to respect that. Also, "ours", is good also: to learn to read percussion notation only.
A good musician will play regardless if it reads or not, however, if you want to broaden your horizons, unless you are a virtuoso, it will help you. Is up to the individual. I agree with everybody's point about playing from the heart. Nevertheless, knowing your "formalities" about music will definitively help you. You might not need it but in case you do, is there!
My understanding about current Cubans musicians, is that they go to formal music school. Yes, most of those raised during the revolution era had to go the hassles of going seriously all day long. An example is Horacio El Negro Hernandez' story as well as others. Changuito appears to be already more than a kid by the time the revolution in Cuba took place. He might or he might not have formal school.
In regards to Giovanny, he had some formal teachings in Puerto Rico then I've heard he went to the States and got some more formal schooling. (I've heard he was a "freak" at practicing going 12 hours or more a day). I think Giovanni must had some formal schooling because he was a teacher at Berkley for a couple of years.
Another example is Tito Puente, he had a master's degree in music. I've heard Richie Flores does not read...Guys like Tito de Gracia and Marc Quinones did get some high schooling involving music and know how to read based on those studies and by doing self study. Some learned how to read after years of playing because they saw the necessity to become more of a choice for gigging, i.e., Charlie Sierra, Albert Machuca, Ralph Irrizary, etc.
Again, is not necessary, first play your instrument, but it will help!
Saludos!