Ask HN: Musicians?

#1

Post by lincolnq » Sun, Jan 11, 2009, 4:07 AM UTC

What instrument(s) do you play, and what's your level of involvement?

The Jargon File's entry on music (http://catb.org/~esr/jargon/html/M/music.html) suggests that music is a "common extracurricular" among hackers. Is this still true?

Re: Ask HN: Musicians?

#2

Post by lincolnq » Sun, Jan 11, 2009, 4:10 AM UTC

I have played violin since I was very young, and more recently viola. I've been interested recently in electric violin/viola, but I haven't gotten to try them yet.

Re: Ask HN: Musicians?

#3

Post by graywh » Sun, Jan 11, 2009, 5:08 AM UTC

Playing an instrument has a good correlation with higher intelligence. And it's no secret that hackers are some of the smartest.

Re: Ask HN: Musicians?

#4

Post by cperciva » Sun, Jan 11, 2009, 5:32 AM UTC

I play violin; I'm currently the concertmaster in the best non-professional orchestra in Vancouver.

Re: Ask HN: Musicians?

#5

Post by cheez80 » Sun, Jan 11, 2009, 5:42 AM UTC

drumset since middle school, orchestral percussion since about then too, and mallet percussion (and drumline stuff) since high school. wait, that sounds a bit misleading, since i don't do the orchestral, mallet, or drumline stuff anymore.

i also played piano since like 6. stopped when i hit high school.

Re: Ask HN: Musicians?

#6

Post by brianto2010 » Sun, Jan 11, 2009, 5:51 AM UTC

I can play both violin and Bb clarinet; I started both in elementary school. However, I only play violin now in high school.

From your link: "music: n. A common extracurricular interest of hackers..."

This definition is not just limited to just playing an instrument, though. It also talks about music appreciation and genres of music.

To strictly follow that definition, try asking if we are significantly involved with music in some way.

Re: Ask HN: Musicians?

#7

Post by LogicHoleFlaw » Sun, Jan 11, 2009, 6:07 AM UTC

I played woodwind instruments all through middle and high school. I started on the clarinet, then the alto and tenor saxophones, and the bassoon as well. I was quite proficient and seriously considered majoring in bassoon performance in college but I decided to pursue CS instead. Unfortunately I haven't played seriously since I graduated high school and I miss it dearly. I really should find a used Tenor somewhere and pick it up again.