Music Games Inspiring Potential Rockers
This is in fact something I have been wondering about recently. Would the widespread interest in games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band lead to more people learning real instruments, or less? On one hand, more people might discover they enjoy the idea of being a rockstar, but conversely, they may get their fix from the game and decide it's not worth the effort to learn an actual instrument.
It looks like the former is true, in this case, as interest in classic rock and rocking out is increasing. Take for example, Glen Richardson, a guitar instructor from Toronto.
The thrill that non-players can feel in being able to shred like guitar virtuosos, even if it's just in front of a TV with a plastic Gibson SG replica, has resulted in some new students for Richardson."They try the video game and that inspires them, gives them just enough motivation or encouragement to try a real instrument," he says.
Not only that, the games are even influencing the songs new students want to learn.
David Gannett, a guitar instructor at the Rufus shop, says the games - which feature many classic rock tracks - are also influencing what younger guitar players want to learn."I kind of got a sense something was up when a nine-or 10-year-old boy comes in asking for (sheet music for) 'Ziggy Stardust' by David Bowie," he says.
Never underestimate the power of Bowie. Never. Check out the full article for more insights on this trend. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go "practice".
Music video games spawning rocker wannabes, say guitar teachers [Canadian Press]
Sgt. Sausagepants
Posted to Video Games on 13 March 2008
Other stuff like this: Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Ziggy Stardust
