Today's Question:

[Marc]

I try and average 1-2 hours of something musical everyday. Lately its been 1/3 self-teaching guitar, 1/3 writing (and lately playing with my new Micron), and 1/3 recording songs. Since I've taken up guitar I can sit and play while hanging out with the family instead of "in my studio corner with the headphones on". I also jam/write with my band once a week. All in all, I wish I could do more, and someday may retire to music full time, but I am lucky that I pretty much play something every day. Except when I am on the road for work...which is one of the reasons I bought the Micron - To Go!

So Madam Synthoid, how do you decide which keyboard to play?

Marc

[Synthoid]

So Madam Synthoid, how do you decide which keyboard to play?

Hmmm....no Madam here.

What keyboard to play? Well, for several years it was the Triton 90% of the time. It's currently my MIDI controller for VSTi's and I've got lots of those. Hard to decide what to tinker with. About a year ago I had a "thumbs down" attitude towards softsynths, but that changed after I tried several and found an easy-to-use host. There are many great sounding softsynths out there and lots of them are free. Hard to resist. I even found a great virtual Mellotron.

But I need to practice more and tinker less.

[Timo]

Can't say I strictly 'practice theory'. However, indirectly, if I don't get my 2-hour 'fix' by playing the synths each day I get severe withdrawel symptoms!

I think it's a two way thing. Programming synths (live, not stuck in a computer) actually encourages you to play and learn melodies, riffs, arrangements, etc., as quite often than not some sounds inspire you and get you to break new ground (for yourself) in your playing skills and musicality.

[unimon]

Minimum 1 hour everyday; usually 2-3. First hour memorizing new songs, remainder going over things I don't want to forget.

[Synthoid]

Anyone else?