Season 2

Episodes • 1987

Deirdre Cartwright
Henry Thomas
Geoff Nicholls
Alastair Gavin
New Technology

1. New Technology

25 min

How electronic developments have affected music includes the history of the synthesizer. Guests include Tony Banks and Rick Wakeman.

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MIDI

2. MIDI

25 min

How to use MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), sequencers and drum machines. Guests include drummer Omar Hakim and keyboard player Vince Clarke.

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Melody

3. Melody

25 min

An explanation of melody focuses on chord sequence and structure and singing technique. Also: clips of James Brown, Eurythmics and Bronski Beat.

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Soloing

4. Soloing

25 min

An introduction to soloing techniques examines phrasing and dynamics and demonstrates how to use relative scales. Guests: Tony Banks (Genesis) and singer James Ingram.

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Guitar and Drum Synths

5. Guitar and Drum Synths

25 min

How to use synthesizers with drums, guitars and basses. MIDI controllers, and acoustic and electronic drums. Guests include drummer Bill Bruford and guitarist Allan Holdsworth.

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Rhythm

6. Rhythm

25 min

An explanation of rhythm focuses on two-handed playing techniques for bass, piano and drums. Elton John in concert. Also: keyboard player Jools Holland.

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Sampling and Harmony

7. Sampling and Harmony

25 min

Instrumental and vocal orchestration guitarist Andy Summers; keyboard player Tony Banks (Genesis); and singer Michael McDonald.

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Arrangement

8. Arrangement

25 min

An introduction to arrangement features a discussion of the parts of a song and a segment on the five-string bass. Guests: drummer Omar Hakim and keyboard player Tony Banks.

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