independent and unofficial
Prince fan community
Welcome! Sign up or enter username and password to remember me
Forum jump
Forums > Prince: Music and More > Is it true Prince can't read sheet music?
« Previous topic  Next topic »
Page 1 of 3 123>
  New topic   Printable     (Log in to 'subscribe' to this topic)
Author

Tweet     Share

Message
Thread started 11/24/07 12:07pm

alxndrstff

avatar

Is it true Prince can't read sheet music?

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

So look into the mirror, do u recognise some1? Is it who u always hoped u would become, when u were young?
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #1 posted 11/24/07 12:15pm

zsasz

avatar

HAHAHA lol

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

but yeah, ive heard the same, that he hasnt learned to read music.
Wouldn't you love to love me?
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #2 posted 11/24/07 12:16pm

FuNkeNsteiN

avatar

falloff

Yea, he can't read music.
It is not known why FuNkeNsteiN capitalizes his name as he does, though some speculate sunlight deficiency caused by the most pimpified white guy afro in Nordic history.

- Lammastide
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #3 posted 11/24/07 12:23pm

fcukthepolice

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]
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #4 posted 11/24/07 12:23pm

redwood

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.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #5 posted 11/24/07 12:27pm

DanceWme

i learned a new position woot!
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #6 posted 11/24/07 12:34pm

happyhappy

that's actually the sheet music for gett off, don't even act like you didn't know razz
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #7 posted 11/24/07 12:37pm

NDRU

avatar

redwood said:

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.


It was just a movie after all. And in fact that was probably backwards. Jazz musicians tend to read really well, & pop musicians not so well.

Also even if you don't read music on a staff, musicians today still write down the chord sequence Bm7 E9 AMaj7 etc.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #8 posted 11/24/07 12:38pm

lottielooloo19
68

happyhappy said:

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


can't b 4 'let's pretend we're married' stuff like tht doesn't happen once ur married!
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #9 posted 11/24/07 12:50pm

Billmenever

boogie guitar thumbs up! sure he can nod
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #10 posted 11/24/07 12:56pm

wildgoldenhone
y

falloff

Alrighty then...
[Edited 11/24/07 12:57pm]
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #11 posted 11/24/07 1:09pm

FuNkeNsteiN

avatar

Billmenever said:

boogie guitar thumbs up! sure he can nod

Actually, Prince can't read sheet music.
Fact.
It is not known why FuNkeNsteiN capitalizes his name as he does, though some speculate sunlight deficiency caused by the most pimpified white guy afro in Nordic history.

- Lammastide
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #12 posted 11/24/07 2:33pm

luv4u

Moderator

avatar

moderator

spit falloff
canada

Ohh purple joy oh purple bliss oh purple rapture!
REAL MUSIC by REAL MUSICIANS - Prince
"I kind of wish there was a reason for Prince to make the site crash more" ~~ Ben
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #13 posted 11/24/07 2:42pm

3121

3121 said:

Prince can indeed read sheet music. Although not able to sight read to a great standard, he is more than capable of deciphering music from written transcripts. I believe this to be true as my fathers friend worked on the Lovesexy tour and prince would often be heard requesting his sheets for certain pieces (whilst usually at the piano i am told). those who believe he cant are simply buying into the myth of the boy wonder who popped out the womb playing 27 ..ahem.. instruments.



furthermore, i have a copy of princes handwritten transcript of bambi (complete with melody line, words and chord names.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #14 posted 11/24/07 6:02pm

Tame

avatar

cute...I like the first note.
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight...
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #15 posted 11/24/07 6:18pm

Snap

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
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #16 posted 12/11/07 7:43am

DreamyPopRoyal
ty

avatar

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.
had 2 run away... pride was 2 strong. It started raining, baby, the birds were gone
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #17 posted 12/11/07 7:49am

phlix

avatar

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.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #18 posted 12/11/07 7:56am

TheEnglishGent

avatar

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.
RIP sad
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #19 posted 12/11/07 8:11am

Giovanni777

avatar

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
"He's a musician's musician..."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #20 posted 12/11/07 8:12am

sexxydancer

Funny lol
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #21 posted 12/11/07 8:29am

1KissAtATyme

avatar

That must be the sheet music for Kuma Sutra lol
U want to know the secreat of love and happiness? Love GOD with all your heart, mind soul and strength. And love your neighboor as yourself.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #22 posted 12/11/07 8:45am

Jeffiner

lottielooloo1968 said:

happyhappy said:

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


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


falloff wink
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #23 posted 12/11/07 8:48am

pplrain

avatar

...they're all bopping to a certain beat wink
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #24 posted 12/11/07 9:34am

paintedlady

avatar

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 lick
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #25 posted 12/11/07 10:01am

Giovanni777

avatar

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 lick


Does the ribbon have 2 stay on?
"He's a musician's musician..."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #26 posted 12/11/07 10:16am

paintedlady

avatar

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 lick


Does the ribbon have 2 stay on?

The fun part would be to take off the ribbon.... with no hands.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #27 posted 12/11/07 10:28am

pplrain

avatar

paintedlady said:

Giovanni777 said:



Does the ribbon have 2 stay on?

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


Do you guys have to make out in a public forum disbelief tonk
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #28 posted 12/11/07 10:37am

paintedlady

avatar

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 disbelief tonk

talk to the hand
You'll have to wait your turn....
I can only handle one of you at a time... lol
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #29 posted 12/11/07 10:42am

pplrain

avatar

paintedlady said:

pplrain said:



Do you guys have to make out in a public forum disbelief tonk

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


sexy evillol
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Page 1 of 3 123>
  New topic   Printable     (Log in to 'subscribe' to this topic)
« Previous topic  Next topic »
Forums > Prince: Music and More > Is it true Prince can't read sheet music?