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But thanks to an Atari computer with those funny looking 5 pin plugs in the back, a Korg DS-8, Dr. T’s sequencer and a little program called BiaB I kept music as a hobby.



Mario. And didn't we have some fun with those Atari and Amiga computers and good old Dr.T.
Looking back it was so basic, but at the time it was all new and exciting and the possibilities seemed endless. Now that we've got so much technology, I find it hard to raise the same level of enthusiasm for each new advance as I did back then.

Oh no! it's the "Glory Days" again. (But I do love that song.)

ROG.



Mario and ROG,

Yes I had a lot of fun with my Atari computer. And MIDI music still blows me away. I haven't lost one bit of enthusiasm for it.

But for many, I think the increased sophistication of the hardware/software tools we have now have reduced our involvement and therefore enthusiasm with the music.

A big example is the trend to go to audio loops. MIDI allows you to make music, audio allows you to re-arrange other people's music. So your playing it is out of the picture.

With MIDI you can play a sax, trumpet, piano or whatever, even if you didn't know how to play that instrument, and every note you played was your own. As you grew with your MIDI skills, learned how each instrument you were emulating expressed itself and then using the 127 MIDI Continuous Controllers to coax the same nuances out of your MIDI performance, you could get something that approached 100% of the instrument you were emulating (depending on your skills).

But of course, that required time and practice (like any musical instrument). Audio is instant gratification, and that is a very seductive thing. But the price is less involvement with the music, and therefore less enthusiasm and less personal satisfaction with the end product.

Arranging and re-arranging the music performed by other people is an art in itself, but it isn't the same as playing the music yourself.

Notes ♫

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

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