Dave Horne Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 People like taking magazine tests. Why not have an issue on some of the basics of music theory - intervals, for instance. Explain how intervals are measured using simple, accurate and succinct writing and then give a test with 50 or so questions. It might encourage those who know little of the theory of music to explore the fundamental building blocks. You might even sell a few more copies at the newsstands with a Test Your Knowledge of ..... whatever. The results, or course, would be printed in the next issue. No guitarists were harmed during the making of this message. In general, harmonic complexity is inversely proportional to the ratio between chording and non-chording instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RABid Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Now that is not a bad idea. 50 questions may be a bit much in todays society, but that can easily be dealt with by offering a short test in the magazine, and a link to the Keyboard Magazine website with the expanded test. They can even tie it in with articles on how to communicate with musicians, what you are expected to know when you get studio work, etc... Robert This post edited for speling. My Sweetwater Gear Exchange Page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrafon Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 I LIKE that idea. You might even "hook" people into the magazine by having a series of tests that progress in difficulty over time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe P Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Perhaps the test could include an essay question about, oh I don't know, maybe, soloing over E minor???!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Fortner Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 I like that idea a lot. I've been thinking a lot about similar things. Since the lessons bits of each issue have a beginning, intermediate, and advanced section, but individually they're all fairly compact, I think a good way to do it would be online. There could be an online quiz where the taker could selectively cover single issues, or the topics from a range of issues. With manufacturer support, perhaps we could even give away a prize. As we're going to be pumping up the website quite a bit, this'd be an ideal regular or semi-regular thing. Something that encourages people to read the mag and learn about music, as opposed to solely a random drawing of subscription cards. Stephen Fortner Principal, Fortner Media Former Editor in Chief, Keyboard Magazine Digital Piano Consultant, Piano Buyer Magazine Industry affiliations: Antares, Arturia, Giles Communications, MS Media, Polyverse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Horne Posted July 27, 2005 Author Share Posted July 27, 2005 Originally posted by Joe P: Perhaps the test could include an essay question about, oh I don't know, maybe, soloing over E minor???!!!!! No essay questions, just multiple choice. You still working on that E minor solo? No guitarists were harmed during the making of this message. In general, harmonic complexity is inversely proportional to the ratio between chording and non-chording instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slowly Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Good one Dave! Slowly "Let It Be!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M Peasley Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 It would be kinda nice if the "exams" had some sort of "teacher/professorial" figure that "proctors" the exams and does some explaining along with the revealed answers. Someone amusing and knowledgeable and somewhat insane would be good I think....maybe even a made-up persona might work. If this idea boosts the bottom line of Keyboard Mag please PM me and I'll give the address to send my check.... M Peasley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immo Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 With tying the magazine and online together in mind, I think a short quiz in the magazine with a url in the magazine saying check your score online would be an excellent way to drive traffic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Horne Posted July 27, 2005 Author Share Posted July 27, 2005 I'm glad this idea was well received. I'm a firm believer of musicians completely understanding the basics and I would look at this as a public service from the magazine. If Keyboard sells more copies, all the better. I feel that a Keyboard magazine has the duty to educate its readers. Music theory does not have to be boring and just a little knowledge can enlighten and broaden one's enjoyment and understanding of music. It would be great if Keyboard could give music history lessons as well. Where will this all end? No guitarists were harmed during the making of this message. In general, harmonic complexity is inversely proportional to the ratio between chording and non-chording instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.