[Tango-L] Musicality

[Tom Stermitz]

Musicality is essential, yet most of us learn it in a random,  
intuitive process over time. It works, but it shouldn't be left to  
chance. I am one who feels that musicality can be taught.... if the  
teacher strategizes the learning sequence.

I would argue that EVERY class in tango should teach musicality, as  
music is so fundamental. In particular, the initial learning must be  
founded on music. This means BEAT (which is sort of obvious), but also  
feeling the PHRASES, and a sense of the flow.

I learned tango with a rhythmic foundation, but now find myself more  
attracted to a more lyrical understanding. I have an affinity for that  
approach, as it starts relatively "directed" and moves toward  
"experiential". I feel that complex layers fit on top of simpler or  
layers. So, let's organize the learning: start simple, then move  
complex.

Musicality classes for an experienced dancer can be profound,  
interesting or  useless, but that has more to do with the student than  
the teacher. If you are experienced it is always interesting to pick  
up on ideas from someone who followed a different path. If you think  
you already know everything, well, that is a definition of an  
intermediate. I've been on this journey for 12 years, and I find the  
classes on music and fundamentals FAR more interesting than a lesson  
on steps.




On Dec 5, 2007, at 9:12 PM, Jay Rabe wrote:

> Random comments about recent thread on musicality:
>
> Like many, I have taken several "musicality" classes. I have not  
> found them as totally worthless as some have posted. I agree an  
> individual's amount of musicality in dancing is limited by the  
> musicality they hear, which is like an innate skill, which is  
> difficult/impossible to teach. But that being said, here's what  
> worked for me and for other students I've talked to:
>
> At the most basic level, learning/hearing that musical phrases in  
> tango are usually 8 or 16 beats, and putting a pause at the end of a  
> phrase, or placing the last step of a pattern (eg a 3-step molinete)  
> on the very last note/beat of the phrase, or starting a new phrase  
> (esp if it comes on powerfully) at the very beginning of a phrase,  
> were all worthwhile techniques that can be taught.
> ...
> But I completely agree that the clapping to the beat thing doesn't  
> seem to do much at all.
>
>     J
>     TangoMoments.com