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

[thelongshot.livejournal.com]

While I kinda understand the argument to a certain extent (Playing Guitar Hero is nothing like really playing a guitar), as someone who tried to learn classical guitar and has played a lot of Guitar Hero, I think there are some aspects that match up. I still feel the anxiety when I know there is a tough part coming up. I try slowing things down to try to get down the difficult parts. And, as much as I practice, it never seems to come natural for me.

I think the real value in the Guitar Hero series is music appreciation, or at least appreciation for guitar-based rock from the 70s on. There is a lot of music here that a lot of young people probably wouldn't get exposed to unless their parents listened to it. It also allows you to appreciate how easy or difficult a song is to play and helps a bit to focus on the structure of a song. Yes, in a simplistic way, but for the young and the layman, it is good enough. If it helps to foster a lifelong love of music, I can't see the harm.

[supergoober.livejournal.com]

I think the real value in the Guitar Hero series is music appreciation, or at least appreciation for guitar-based rock from the 70s on.

Agreed. My husband teaches drums to youngsters, and many of them are discovering the bands he grew up on by playing these games. In my day, we caught up on what we'd missed by listening to classic rock radio; this is the way the next generation is getting their rock 'n roll education.