on the idea that "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero" lead kids to real instruments and music...

[acroyear]

Dr. Joan Bushwell's Chimpanzee Refuge : Will Rock Band and Guitar Hero Foster New Musicians?:

I'd wager that once the reality of learning an instrument kicks in, junior's new guitar will soon find a home in the corner gathering dust while waiting for the eventual indignity of placement next to an old stack of gardening magazines at the spring garage sale. Certainly, some kids will stick it out and eventually reach a level of at least modest proficiency, but how do we know that simply offering them real instruments at an early age wouldn't be at least as effective? If all these games do is create a new generation of "table beaters" instead of competent drummers, haven't we taken a step backwards?

There are few things that I love as much as playing musical instruments. I don't know if other people get (or would get) as much enjoyment but there is something to be said for an artistic outlet that grows with you, challenges you, and allows you to express yourself (even if no one cares to listen) throughout your life. I always encourage people to give it a try no matter what their age.

I'm just not sure that pretending to do it is the best way of introducing it to people.

Comments

[supergoober.livejournal.com]

I'd wager that once the reality of learning an instrument kicks in, junior's new guitar will soon find a home in the corner gathering dust while waiting for the eventual indignity of placement next to an old stack of gardening magazines at the spring garage sale.

What, and he's saying that didn't happen before Guitar Hero and Rock Band? There's always been a vast difference between the idea of playing an instrument and the actual work of learning to play an instrument, and there have always been more people who've taken a few lessons and then quit than people who've become proficient. I know; I've been both! :)

[voltbang.livejournal.com]

Agree. Plus I read an interesting thing today talking about how guitar hero is both an interesting distribution model for new music, and a new-media way to interact with your music that goes beyond just listening to it in the car. I can agree with that idea, as there are some songs that I know through guitar hero that I never got into until I learned them on guitar hero. I could buy a guitar and take lessons for a few months, and pound out some three chord standards in short order, but there isn't enough time left in my life for me to learn to play Cliffs of Dover on a real guitar, but it sure is fun on guitar hero.