Professor Peter Schubert, musicology Ph.D. holder, discusses diverse music experiences, importance of playing piano and choir, harmony vs. counterpoint, Joscan Dupree's music, Mozart and Renaissance comparisons, simplicity of cannons, parallels between Renaissance and later eras, and the value of improvisation in music education.
Immersing oneself in counterpoint through various methods like books, teachers, and studying scores is the best way to learn and understand it.
Improvisation in music education enhances musicians' intuition, fluency, and speed in composition, providing a deeper understanding of the process of creating music.
Studying counterpoint in the Renaissance serves as a strong foundation that can be applied to later periods, enabling a comprehensive analysis and appreciation of various musical forms.
Deep dives
The Teaching Approach: Throwing oneself into learning
The best way to learn counterpoint is to immerse oneself in it, whether through books, a teacher, or studying scores. Improvisation is also a crucial component, allowing for experimentation and developing fluency and speed. The combination of practical application and understanding music on a deeper level enhances musicality and creativity.
The Value of Improvisation: Fun, Improving Musicality, and Speed in Composition
Improvisation adds enjoyment and depth to music education. It helps musicians develop a stronger sense of musical intuition, fluency, and speed in composition. Exploring improvisation provides a glimpse into the process of creating music and enables musicians to identify patterns and enrich their musical experience.
Applying Counterpoint Principles to Later Music Periods
Studying counterpoint in the Renaissance offers a solid foundation that can be applied to later periods of music. An understanding of counterpoint allows for a deeper analysis and appreciation of various musical forms, such as those found in the works of Brahms and Haydn. It also helps in recognizing contrapuntal elements and creating variation, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of music.
The Relevance of Tuning and Temperament
While the debate on tuning and temperament is interesting, it is not necessarily crucial for understanding counterpoint. The focus should be on intelligibility and an intuitive feel for notes and intervals. The ability to discern major thirds, regardless of temperament, is often sufficient, and the nuances of particular tuning systems do not greatly impact the study and application of counterpoint.
The Purpose of Music Education: Practicality and Creativity
The purpose of music education should be multifaceted. While practical skills such as job opportunities are important, fostering creativity, improvisation, and a deeper understanding of music is equally valuable. The ability to compose, improvise, and explore music fluidly and confidently provides musicians with a range of tools for expression and a enhanced musical experience.
My guest today is Professor Peter Schubert. He holds a Ph.D. in musicology from Columbia University and is currently an Associate Professor at the McGill University Faculty of Music. He is the author of the textbook, “Modal Counterpoint: Renaissance Style” (Oxford University Press, 1999). and with colleague Christoph Neidhoefer he also co-authored “Baroque Counterpoint” (Prentice-Hall, 2005). He is known for teaching improvised vocal counterpoint in his classes.
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