At the Sounding Edge: Music Notation Software For Linux (Linux Journal)

At the Sounding Edge: Music Notation Software For Linux (Linux Journal)

Posted Oct 27, 2005 7:37 UTC (Thu) by Wol (guest, #4433)
In reply to: At the Sounding Edge: Music Notation Software For Linux (Linux Journal) by darthmdh
Parent article: At the Sounding Edge: Music Notation Software For Linux (Linux Journal)

"I've had to work with many musicians who, although talented with their instrument, have had no formal training and so "Esus4" means nothing to them. So please tell me how they are supposed to comprehend syntax like "G/2" which is introducing time as well as chord."

It's all very well ranting, but I'm afraid the above quote shows that you didn't even read the first paragraph properly!

It really pisses me off when people come to me for help with their computer, and then when I try to get them to explain what's wrong, they expect me to be psychic and "just know". If you don't know computer jargon, then you cannot expect me to understand your computer problem! Fine, I know people have difficulty grasping it (and the popular press love to muddy the water), but when someone's attitude is they DON'T WANT to learn the jargon, then my attitude tends to be "if you can't be bothered to try and explain your problem properly, then I can't be bothered to help you!".

There are a lot of talented musicians out there who play by ear. But there are a lot of talented musicians who don't. And if you can't be bothered to learn "the language of music", then don't be surprised when many of those talented musicians can't be bothered to listen to what you're trying to say.

By the way - I agree with you about XML. It's a great way for PROGRAMS to talk to each other, but it was not designed (nor should it be used) for humans. I think lilypond is great, because if you understand music notation then lilypond is simple to understand too, and it uses the keyboard, not that damn mouse! Every WIMP music program I've ever used is just too damn fiddly and too much hassle ...

Cheers,
Wol

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