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Post by marshallzen on Mar 16, 2013 22:03:54 GMT -6
My one pet peeve with the proliferation of musical improv is that too many improvisers think they can do it without learning anything about musical theory and song crafting skills. As a former professional songwriter and musician I am often amazed at the lack of sophistication portrayed in some musical improv performances. Shouldn't there be a baseline standard for what you will get on stage with?  |
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fad23
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Post by fad23 on Mar 17, 2013 0:45:40 GMT -6
I haven't seen many shows that really had a low level of musical understanding. I've seen some that don't hit the mark on basic scene work.
There's a question of whether a baseline standard would be required for non-musical improv then too. That seems to me to be a business deal between the performers and the audience and what the audience is willing to support. Obviously one way of defining a base line is what an audience will accept and continue to support. That may fall short of the standards of some members of the audience. That goes for both musical and non-musical shows of all kinds.
I'm of the opinion that the artists take guidance where they're able and that they and not their critics choose which guidelines they'll follow.
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Post by frazerrobb on Mar 23, 2013 1:43:53 GMT -6
Marshall, do you mean people attempting full length musical pieces or short form groups playing musical games like Do Ron Ron?
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Post by marshallzen on Mar 23, 2013 19:37:38 GMT -6
Marshall, do you mean people attempting full length musical pieces or short form groups playing musical games like Do Ron Ron? The easy and wise ass answer is a simple yes. I think all Improv should strive for levels of professionalism in everything but of course this is much more significant in the case of long form Musical pieces and less important in Doo Ron Ron or Doo Wah Ditty or the Irish Drinking Song and the like. That having been said however, I do believe audiences would appreciate attempts at some level of musicianship if you are performing musically, I certainly do, no matter what the form. |
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fad23
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Post by fad23 on Mar 24, 2013 21:37:14 GMT -6
Isn't there something to be said for each group bringing their own strengths to the table? A cast might not be as musically able but have shows that bring the house down with laughter. Or musically pretty brilliant but weak in terms of scenework.
Obviously, I'm not suggesting that we rest on our laurels. I'd prefer to see shows that were strong on all counts. As an audience member I'm fairly forgiving.
Perhaps there's something to be said about how the show is presented. Even the Gong Show or perhaps the audition rounds of American Idol and the like are entertaining on some level. Much of that is to do with how it's presented. Those shows have cringe-inducing moments, yet America watches and comes back!
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