[HANASHIR:16608] Re: Creative solutions

[Burton A. Zipser <zipmusic...>]

Dear Jewish musical compatriots,
        I have just returned from a conference in Seattle with 
conductors at all levels: schools, colleges, professional ensembles, 
and people who direct choirs, bands, and orchestras.  We are as 
diverse in our own way as the members of this discussion list. It is 
always intriguing to discover that the oldest and most experienced 
members are just as interested in new ideas and approaches as the 
newest attendees.
        As in Judaism, music requires life-long study. When members 
of this list express a frustration caused by having a lack of 
knowledge or experience, I can only suggest that they can find 
answers if they are willing to look or ask for them.  Permit me to 
suggest a few:
1.  If you want to find out more about songleading, go to Havah 
Nashirah, a Song Leader's Institute (June 2-6) in Wisconsin.
2.  If you wish to become a more competent synagogue musician, there 
are workshops on Feb. 1 (Dallas/Fort Worth), March 14 (Raleigh, NC), 
and April 18 (Canton, OH). For these you have to be a member of a 
Reform (URJ) congregation.
3.  If you are a singer, accompanist, or choir director, the Mifgash 
Musicale this year will be held from Aug. 1-5 in Cincinnati, and will 
provide in-depth study in High Holy Day music, plus providing you 
with knowledge of Torah/Haftarah Cantillation. For this program, in 
addition to membership in a URJ congregation, you would have to be a 
member of the Guild of Temple Musicians.
4.  If you need help in developing basic musical skills, there are 
programs in many local communities which teach basic knowledge.  Or, 
if you live away from such resource centers, there is software which 
you can use on your own computer which will help you learn the basics 
of music, harmony, and musical knowledge.
5.  I previously offered to let people who created songs but could 
not write them out, find out about available software which will let 
them convert their creations into printed musical examples on your 
own computer. You would need a MIDI interface which would allow you 
to play a melody on an instrument or a keyboard, or even sing 
"la-la-la" into a computer microphone. If you know enough about 
chords, you can even create the music for keyboard, bass, guitar and 
drums through available software, and work with other performers.

        Please note that I don't make a cent from providing this 
information. However, I will be happy to provide contact information 
for anyone who wishes to contact me by e-mail privately and NOT via 
this list. Of course, if you prefer to acquire musical capability 
only by making tapes or learning music by rote from tapes and CDs, 
you are welcome to continue what you are now doing.

                B'shalom, Burton Zipser, Dir., Intl. Archive of Jewish Music