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Ask HN: Tools to learn music theory?

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Re: Ask HN: Tools to learn music theory?

#171

Post by thorin »

jayknight wrote: post #142
Mr-Frog wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Michael Jackson never learned to read or write sheet music.

Irving Berlin couldn't read music and could only play the piano in F-sharp, so he had a piano build that could transpose to any key[1] and had someone to transcribe his music for him for publication. [1] https://youtu.be/bO8VZoRw214

Why F#? When I play blues on the piano I tend to play in C (first one I learnt) or Eb. I've noticed Stevie Wonder plays in Eb a lot presumably because he can more easily identify the black notes by feel and Eb blues is mainly black keys.

Re: Ask HN: Tools to learn music theory?

#172

Post by kinghtown »

capableweb wrote: post #62
kinghtown wrote: post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

When artists buy songs they are given a credit for legal purposes (and I suppose vanity, too)

Do you have any sources for the claim that the songs written, composed and co-produced by Jackson were actually just bought? Most of the songs I went through from Jackson where he appear to be a writer, as the history of him writing and producing the song. Of course, he got plenty of help. But I don't think it's fair to reduce him as using ghost-writers/producers for his songs, people seem to be properly credited.

Oh I’m not claiming that about MJ. He had written songs, even some of his hits, it is just that you can’t just always look at song credits to see what’s what. MJ had written some of his songs, collaborated, and also had songs written for him at different times. He wasn’t using ghostwriters as far as I know. I could have been more clear on that.
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