Is it true Prince can't read sheet music?

Do you all think he would have learned if it looked something like this?

HAHAHA

i think prince would have invented that, let alone learned it.

but yeah, ive heard the same, that he hasnt learned to read music.

Yea, he can't read music.

no

if he knew about musical theory he might of been able to make some challenging, complex music

he has a natural gift for creating funky tunes but everything he has done is very simples; still great might i add
[Edited 11/24/07 12:23pm]

i don't believe it. why was he so concerned in purple rain about his dad writing down all his music, and then admitting that he didn't need to....he (his dad) was "beyond that", and that prince was inferior because he did wrtie down all his music (theory), only to find out later that his dad indeed did write it all down.

i learned a new position

that's actually the sheet music for gett off, don't even act like you didn't know

redwood said:

happyhappy said:

that's actually the sheet music for gett off, don't even act like you didn't know

sure he can

Alrighty then...
[Edited 11/24/07 12:57pm]

4EVER
~~

Billmenever said:

sure he can

3121 said:

cute...I like the first note.

it was said that back in high school, prince could read from sheet music
probably something his music teachers were trying to teach him...? not sure
but it's not the way he learned, so after high school, he went back to what he knew best
tamar had mentioned that she was showing him some things about music theory
and he seemed rather interested
i think it would give him even more colors to paint with if he tried
the mathematics of music can be manipulated into doing some marvelous things

this is one of those many interesting questions I'd like to him if given the chance.

Reading sheet music is definitely a talent, but is being able to write music without having that talent an even greater talent?

Makes me wonder what kind of answer I'd prefer.
If he can read sheet music and plays like he does, that's a whole better than I could ever do. I can only read a little sheet music.
If he can't read sheet music and plays by ear, that's something I've been able to do and again, it's even more amazing.

My dad said that Lionel Richie can't read sheet music and he's written all these great songs. If Prince can't read sheet music, having that good an ear is a gift only the most passionate musicians closest to the music have.

One thing I do now is that he knows different keys. At rehearsals, he'll just say "in the key of C" or whatever key he picks and the others know what he's talking about.

The instant I heard Gold’s first note, it became Prince’s mark on my soul: a tattoo I wear with pride.
Prince is Dreamy, gives my Life that Pop and 2 the industry, he’s Royalty.

If he can't read sheet music I would be completely shocked. He's received honorary doctorates in music from universities. Also the sheet music for many of his tunes is extremely complicated looking. I guess that may not be an indication that he knows how to read it himself.

I've heard Prince say in an interview that he doesn't read music, but I don't believe for one second that he can't read it on any level at all. I believe he was just saying that he can't have any piece of sheet put in front of him and then play it straight off. I'm sure if you gave him some sheet music he'd understand what all the notes and symbols were and be able to play it back after a little while.

I would bet everything I have, including my ass, that Prince can, in fact read musical values 2 some extent. Although he is tremendously gifted with a natural ear, which exceeds the need 4 music theory, he has learned music theory at some point. It is the same case 4 myself. My ear overtook my mind and eyes at a young age, but I did learn music theory as a child on saxophone.

It was my ear that guided me through guitar, bass, keys, and voice.

(if i'm going 2 bet my ass, then Painted Lady better win)

Peace,

~G

Funny

That must be the sheet music for Kuma Sutra

lottielooloo1968 said:

happyhappy said:

that's actually the sheet music for gett off, don't even act like you didn't know

can't b 4 'let's pretend we're married' stuff like tht doesn't happen once ur married!

...they're all bopping to a certain beat

Giovanni777 said:

paintedlady said:

Giovanni777 said:

I would bet everything I have, including my ass, that Prince can, in fact read musical values 2 some extent. Although he is tremendously gifted with a natural ear, which exceeds the need 4 music theory, he has learned music theory at some point. It is the same case 4 myself. My ear overtook my mind and eyes at a young age, but I did learn music theory as a child on saxophone.

It was my ear that guided me through guitar, bass, keys, and voice.

(if i'm going 2 bet my ass, then Painted Lady better win)

Peace,

~G

And I'll be right there when you lose that bet, and you better tie a pretty ribbon on it too

Giovanni777 said:

paintedlady said:

And I'll be right there when you lose that bet, and you better tie a pretty ribbon on it too

Does the ribbon have 2 stay on?

paintedlady said:

pplrain said:

paintedlady said:

The fun part would be to take off the ribbon.... with no hands.

Do you guys have to make out in a public forum

paintedlady said:

pplrain said:

Do you guys have to make out in a public forum

You'll have to wait your turn....
I can only handle one of you at a time...