Dusting Off the Strings

So the creative process begins. Actually, it won't begin today. Turn the volume up on your computer and you might think that I've been creative, but this just isn't so if we use Perkins' definition of creativity: "A creative result is a result both original and appropriate." If you don't hear anything, you can download the file here.

Why is this work not fit Perkins' definition of a creative product? Since my goal is to display creativity in the form of fiddle tunes, and you're hearing a fiddle tune that I've recorded, I'd say that I have produced something that is appropriate. Note that by appropriate I do not mean that the typical person would enjoy listening to it. If you're anything like my wife, then it probably sounds a bit too 18th century for your tastes. This probably isn't something you're going to hear downtown on Saturday night, but then again, that wouldn't be appropriate for a fiddle tune.

The problem here is that this is not original! This melody is played almost note for note from a transcription I learned back in high school from a Doc Watson recording (fiddle tunes don't have to be played on a fiddle, in case you were wondering). It doesn't matter if you can't tell the difference between my recording and Doc's recording (which you most certainly can, unless you're deaf). Since Doc did it first, Doc's version is creative, and mine is not.

That's OK, however, because today was all about getting back in the swing of playing music and learning how to record multiple tracks with Garage Band. I originally thought I'd just play two tracks: a rhythm track and a lead track, both on guitar. It ended up being so much fun, that I ended up dusting off and tuning up my bass and mandolin for a little more accompaniment.

I'm pretty sure this recording will by far be the best sounding recording I make for this blog, because from now on, I've got to create my own products. From my very limited past experience with trying to write music, I think I've got a better shot at learning Van Halen's Eruption than I do of writing something that is truly creative.

Perkins, D. N. (1988). Creativity and the quest for mechanism. In R. J. Sternberg & E. E. Smith (Eds.), The psychology of human thought (pp. 309-336). New York: Cambridge University Press.