How is it even possible to cheat on a musical performance practical exam?

Re:How is it even possible to cheat on a musical performance... by khazhoux on Saturday May 06, 2023 @03:52PM (#35844810)

> I remember an undergrad guitarist complaining to me about having to be able to play all scales in all keys with all possible variations of articulation for his practical.

> A frikkin’ guitarist.

What instruments do you play? I'm going to guess not guitar. Guitar is one of the few instruments that very many people learn by themselves, by ear, and can get extremely good without foundations like scales and reading notation. I am not surprised about a guitarist struggling to "formalize" their guitar-playing as an undergrad, where it can be as hard as learning a new language when you're an adult.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How is it even possible to cheat on a musical performance... by seanhunter on Sunday May 07, 2023 @10:46AM (#35852079)

I do play guitar and can most certainly play any kind of scale. I was a professional bass player (electric and double bass) and studied to postgrad level. I also play “composer’s piano”. The guitarist in question was an undergrad classical guitarist studying at one of the top London conservatoires. He wasn’t someone who learned by ear.

[ Parent | on HN ]