MusicMan

Hello Everyone

KMA is making some big plans for the future. I have a lot of ideas to use music to make the world a little better, and hopefully help music thrive more. But I got to thinking that many of you probably have some ideas too, and you've probably never been asked s you've never voiced your opinions. So here is your chance.

What do you think would be a great way to make sure that music stays alive?
What can we do to prevent music becoming stagnant and not inventive, never reinventing itself or creating new genres, instruments, etc...

I think the answer lies with our youth and the generations to come. I think that giving the gift of music to others and letting them create new boundaries for what music can be is the best hope for music staying truly alive. So now that you have figured out that KMA will do its best to put instruments in the hands of young people, and to provide an affordable way to learn music, I'd like to get some more input. So ask yourself these questions and let's really put our heads together and make our plan a little better.

1. What do you think would be a great way to make sure that music stays alive?

2. What can we do to prevent music becoming stagnant and not inventive, never reinventing itself or creating new genres, instruments, etc...

3. If you were handed $1,000,000 dollars to give to others to help keep music alive, how would you spend it? How could you most effectively spend it to make a difference in other peoples' lives and do the most for the future of music?

4. Do you or anyone you know teach music? Write music? in the music business? run businesses that donate to worthy causes? work at a musical instrument retailer? a member of a signed band? member of the press? could help in any other way?

5. If you prefer, you can PM me your ideas and answers. I hope to hear from many of you either way.



No answer is stupid, just say what's on your mind even if it doesn't make sense. I'll probably add to these questions as more come up. If you have any thoughts that don't relate to a specific question I asked, take all the time you need to say anything you want. Thank you very much for taking the time to contribute, your opinions and ideas could be a very big part of our future plans!



BTW, if you haven't already read what Keep Music Alive is all about and what we hope to accomplish, you can click here!

 

In Visible Ink

Well I will do my best to answer some of these Question's.
1.I belive that like you it will be the youth who make or brake the music ,but it will take us who belive in it to plant the seed.I unlike some belive that we all have the music in us but some of us find it later in life and I share it with the young guys in there teen's who hang at our studio when we play or pratice.I think that it takes more then learning the work of other's,and more of what they can do with what they learn to keep the music alive.

2.music is more then Guitars,drum's ,key's ect,and again I go to what we have to give from with in,creation of sound's,word,ect.

3.Well that is for me is a easy thing and is kinda a dream and that being.
I love to go to open mic's to hear new artist but I find that some place's cant show any kindness to these artist and there original stuff.
I would buy a place ,with the room for a stage and would supply the Equiptment ,light's,sound for these people young and old to come too
so that they can create,or find other's who can help create new music.
I would call it Original's,and would put on show's for people to come to and see what these great artist have to share.

I only wish I had the means to help more,all I have is what I have and as I go on I share all I can learn with onyone who will listen in hope's that every bit help's

I hope these answer's arn't to corney,just the way I think and I just can't seem to get past Original thought's

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Kameraad Pannekoek

1. What do you think would be a great way to make sure that music stays alive?
Getting people to appreciate music by thoroughly rocking them with our own.
2. What can we do to prevent music becoming stagnant and not inventive, never reinventing itself or creating new genres, instruments, etc...
Set an example by doing it ourselves. Chain reaction and all that jazz.
3. If you were handed $1,000,000 dollars to give to others to help keep music alive, how would you spend it? How could you most effectively spend it to make a difference in other peoples' lives and do the most for the future of music?
I would probably start some classes to teach folks about music, and how to make it themselves. I probably wouldn't enjoy music as much if I couldn't get in on the action.
4. Do you or anyone you know teach music? Write music? in the music business? run businesses that donate to worthy causes? work at a musical instrument retailer? a member of a signed band? member of the press? could help in any other way?
Well, I know a lot of people who teach, write, and perform regularily. It's one of those perks of being in the orchestra. Unfortunately, most of these people are pretty inaccesable right now, seeing as they moved off to college and such. I may be able to show one of my cello buddies this place when he comes home for vacation.

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MusicMan

Great answers so far!

retrorich

Music will last as long as the human race. While musical styles and artists come and go, "The Beat Goes On."

<Jane>

To keep music alive we need to stop treating it as a commidity and start giving artists and fans alike more respect. Record companies need to stop whoring whatevers popular and start searching for real talent whatever the genre.

LisaSays

See, that's my 'revelation' about Life--we need to stop whoring ALL OF LIFE. Money is not an accurate gauge of what is meaningful and valuable. The meaning of rules is not to KILL you and your Life--our institutions and ways of doing things are supposed to HELP US LIVE MORE. Yet, most people don't know this.

Our society (at least in the US) does nothing but turn us into unthinking, uncaring, unfeeling automatons. Because we get NO REWARD for thinking, caring or feeling--except to be told, "Sit back down and take that shit, we don't care what you think--and you shouldn't either."

But we have to realize all of the Rules started with a goal--you have to ask, what was that goal??? Most institutions don't start out saying, "Hmm, how can we do this the WORST way possible???" No, they are trying to SOLVE a problem--but you need to realize its YOUR DUTY to continue this, to try to help improve how things are done. Your opinion matters.

Life is art, art is life--to keep music 'alive' we have to question the meaning of Life itself. Life is for love, joy, and freedom of self-expression. To help our fellow man.

There, I'm a dreamer, a radical, a lover and a fighter.
Bite me.
...........
What is there in Heaven? God, angels, souls--and lots of singing--music, gardens, love.

What does music do to your soul? Nothing I know changes my energy faster or more effectively than music.
Isn't that important???

In order to 'keep music alive', I think we first need to define what music IS, and what music DOES.

What is really important in Life? Ignore money--what really matters???
Aren't we trying to make this Heaven on Earth?
How about, instead of money, we make a list of the problems we need to solve--and people get paid according to what they've done to help SOLVE THE PROBLEMS???

You can't stop this bum rush.

MusicMan

Your thoughts are very much on the same page as my own! You have a great knack for speaking your heart, and I'm very glad that you're not afraid to express yourself despite being new here. Thank you very much for sharing your feelings.

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Rules! A definite must-read

How to upload music to the Music Showcase. How to embed a YouTube video.

Send me a PM if you need any help with anything.

LisaSays

thanks!!!

the only thing I don't get is how this is an 'off topic discussion'...isn't this the whole reason for the forum?!?!?!?!?

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MusicMan

Off-Topic/General discussion is more like an easy place to place a topic when you can't think of a great place to put it. So when I created this thread, we were pretty new and I thought it would get the most responses here in General Discussion. I suppose I could put it in the Site Related forum (feedback, suggestions), but not many people browse that forum, and it's really meant for interacting with members that need help or offer their opinions.

It's not really specific to music we listen to, music we create, it's not an announcement, so this forum is the only logical fit I see.

__________________



Rules! A definite must-read

How to upload music to the Music Showcase. How to embed a YouTube video.

Send me a PM if you need any help with anything.

hermitbadger

If i had a million dollars to help keep music alive i would support what is already out there through funding and such, funding over here is highly competetive. If there were places that something could be put into place, I really like drop in centres that cater for all ages I'm sure you know what i mean but if you don't the only one i'm aware of in Norwich is Community Music East www.cme.org.uk. If you fancied checking it out.
Totally agree with the youngsters issue. I'm thirty and to reach this age knowing that you have a passion for something but have never ever had the time or never had the encouragement or money to pursue your dreams sucks.
However on the same note how do you know that there isn't a fifty year old out there who hasn't already invented a new musical instrument but due to being driven into the ground through lifes pressure has neither the access or the time to fully realise his dreams. Don't let the old people leave this world with regret.
Being responsive (as you already are) and open to all avenues is important.
Your heart is most definately in the right place and i'm sure you will do many great things
Will you be turning this into a charity eventually?
Will this be purely based on the web?
Are you gonna go global eventually, obviously on the web you already are but if you decide on other things?
Whatever you decide i wish you all the very, very best......

mammoth1

1. What do you think would be a great way to make sure that music stays alive?

i'm not worried about music. music is human. but the best way I guess is to make sure the musicians stay true to themselves, and write music from the heart soul and cerebellum. (man, I like this site!) if the kids stay inspired, they will create. period. and yeah, there are tons of shitty bands out there convincing children that music is 3 chords + screaming, and "attitude" (which it can be, don't get me wrong, but that should never be the point) but as long as artists exist and they're saying relevant things and pushing boundries, the form won't die. just stay relevant.

2. What can we do to prevent music becoming stagnant and not inventive, never reinventing itself or creating new genres, instruments, etc...

nothing but push the artistic wall oneself and encourage others to do the same, methinks. if it bores you, do something else. the popular guard moves behind the avante gard. you want it to move? be the advanced guard. but don't expect anyone to follow. (its a tough life)

compared to literature, music has it made, tho, so stop your worryin'.
actually, answer number two is: never, ever let there be a music 'cannon.' cannon stagnates irrevicably. poeple should love what they love.

3. If you were handed $1,000,000 dollars to give to others to help keep music alive, how would you spend it? How could you most effectively spend it to make a difference in other peoples' lives and do the most for the future of music?

umm... I feel like a bastard but if I had a million dollars first thing I'd do is hole up and finish my novel and my album. sorry. after that? Well, in america art is hardly ever taught in school any more. I'd try to do something to get it back. other than that, can't think of anything. maybe I'd give grants to talented, starving artist types. (I've been there, it sucks)

4. Do you or anyone you know teach music? Write music? in the music business? run businesses that donate to worthy causes? work at a musical instrument retailer? a member of a signed band? member of the press? could help in any other way?

yesyesyesyes. but they all just do their thing.

TheMusixInMe

1. What do you think would be a great way to make sure that music stays alive?

In general? Well, I talk about music as much as I can get away with. I go to local band shows wheneverI can, then spread the word in forums like this, or with friends, or on local Denver music sites that allow for reader reviews.

2. What can we do to prevent music becoming stagnant and not inventive, never reinventing itself or creating new genres, instruments, etc...
Always, think outside the box. If someone says, "that can't be done", or "that's impossible", then prove them wrong and do it anyway. Never listen to the self-doubter in your own head -- follow your creative instincts. Dream.

3. If you were handed $1,000,000 dollars to give to others to help keep music alive, how would you spend it? How could you most effectively spend it to make a difference in other peoples' lives and do the most for the future of music?
I would, most definitely, buy musical instruments for children whose families might not be able to afford them, including classes to teach them how to use those instruments. How many children's dreams aren't realized due, simply, to lack of funds/opportunity? Music is an arena where is is MOST obvious that the scope of human creativity is boundless.

4. Do you or anyone you know teach music? Write music? in the music business? run businesses that donate to worthy causes? work at a musical instrument retailer? a member of a signed band? member of the press? could help in any other way?
Nope, well not anymore. I used to know quite a few people in the business here in Denver but that was a while ago. I always wanted learn how to manage an artist or band but I missed that boat too. {I might add though, I am not afraid to ask people anything SO that means if anyone needs help with anything in the Denver area, let me know. I am very resourceful.}


just a note: Thanks to MusicMan, Aqua and everyone else involved with, and belonging to, Keep Music Alive!

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MusicMan

I really like the way you put that, and it has reminded me to definitely keep my eyes open and not just focused on youngsters.

Depending on a number of things, we will eventually branch out and start a sister company that will be an official non-profit organization. It will have it's own seperate website (keepmusicalive.org), and will be active in the real world, not just online. Our fundraising will probably start close to home here in the states and as we get more people willing to help, we'll definitely try to do things wherever people are willing to help. If that means shipping 50 guitars to a school in Zimbabwe, we'll do it. However at this time we are looking to try and find ways to raise the money just to start the organization, and our focus right now is primarily on this site. Thank you very much for your ideas and your encouragement.

__________________



Rules! A definite must-read

How to upload music to the Music Showcase. How to embed a YouTube video.

Send me a PM if you need any help with anything.

mammoth1

have you ever seen that movie "rock school?" Somewhere in suburban pennsylvania this guy starts an afterschool program for high schoolers and middle schoolers... you should check it out.

Gemini_Iscariot

Well honestly music is dying.
With so many corporate bands out there who do nothing but make commercial hits so they can mke money, (need i mention JET) and destroy music forever

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Aqualung

Destroy music? Well, the fact that they're selling means that the majority of the population disagrees with you that they are killing music (though I am certainly in the minority).

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Here we go. Mushu cereal for breakfast with duck sauce.

MusicMan

Yeah, because music w/o a soul that sells tons of records is really taking music to a good place.

Aqua, I think you're too far gone to understand that music isn't judged by record sells and how many people call in to TRL to scream about how much they love Blink 182. You said you're in the minority, but to bring up a point that isn't held by the majority and isn't even relevant to what is killing music...suggests that those are your own thoughts projected onto "the majority". Do you think that Beethoven is forever known as a great composer because of how many fan letters he got from teenagers? or how many people danced to his music? No. Look into why he's so revered and will never be forgotten. Hell, read some of the threads here, their full of people poetically expressing what music does for their soul. I really wish I could snap you out of your "stuck in the 80's" mode. Maybe this fish will do the trick.

__________________



Rules! A definite must-read

How to upload music to the Music Showcase. How to embed a YouTube video.

Send me a PM if you need any help with anything.

Aqualung

What? I don't really even understand what you are saying. I don't even think I projected my own thoughts onto anyone, let alone the majority. It seems like you're tyring to disagree with me but just end up agreeing. We're talking past each other or something. And now I just smell like fish.

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Here we go. Mushu cereal for breakfast with duck sauce.

MusicMan

Maybe I read it wrong, but you seemed to be saying that the fact that lots of young people are buying lots of albums (from bands that may or may not be junk) negates the notion that music is dying. When that is IMO part of why it is dying. And you smelled like fish before I beat you with one.

__________________



Rules! A definite must-read

How to upload music to the Music Showcase. How to embed a YouTube video.

Send me a PM if you need any help with anything.

mammoth1

mmm, fish. (Writes a vegitarian)

I think what happens quite often is that people assume (and I am NOT pointing ANY fingers, sometimes does it sound like I am? I dunno... I hate fingers) music, literature, etc. from the past is better than the present b/c the past is farther removed, and what we hear of it is the GOOD STUFF. Not the popular stuff, not the utter swill that somehow made it on the radio or what makes teenagers scream, but the stff that is quality. If you don't belive me, turn on vh1 when "We are the 80s" is on. My god, it's a crap festival. (Abbra, abbra cadabra, I'm gunna reach out and grab ya... anyone remember that?? Of course not!)

In the Now, the good and the bad and the pop are all thrown in our faces, but lets just remember, the pop and the bad are quickly forgotten. We all talk about nirvana, radiohead, bjorki, etc, but when I tried to make fun of the spice girls, people scratched their heads...

Aqualung

Pff, I did not smell like fish before that!

What I tried to say is that people are buying albums, so they seem to think it's good, so they seem to think it's not dying, and therefore the majority of people would disagree with anyone who said it was. I personally don't think this negates the notion that music is dying since I'm "stuck in the 80s [sic]". I was just expressing the other side of the story.

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Here we go. Mushu cereal for breakfast with duck sauce.

Aqualung

Bosh, it is not! I love Steve Miller!

You do bring up a good point, though. I personally have to do a lot of digging to find good modern music.

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Here we go. Mushu cereal for breakfast with duck sauce.

mammoth1

DEFINATELY. 90-95% of it is mediocre at best. Time will do the shifting for us...

MusicMan

Good point mammoth. I've actually seen Stevie "Guitar" Miller perform that song live and the audience was polite enough to act like they liked it. I however whipped out my megaphone and yelled "This sucks! Play 'The Joker' again!"

Ok so maybe not, but I wasn't as into it as everyone else. Perhaps I should have been smoking what they were.

I digress though, and will say that in 10 years Radiohead will be playing a show and some guy will be thinking "Dammit!, why in the hell are they playing 'Ripcord' ?!"

__________________



Rules! A definite must-read

How to upload music to the Music Showcase. How to embed a YouTube video.

Send me a PM if you need any help with anything.