Who Decides What's Good?

[@DMerkel]

"Why are you playing chords without the root note?!? Are you looking for trouble?" Love it!! Your perspective is mine.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Those jazz players are ALWAYS looking for trouble... ;-P

[@kaeleb1968]

This was classic!!!

[@vleevision7787]

@@AnneKathrinDernComposer HAHAH!!! you got it!!! TROUBLE is where the fun is . . . !!!

[@rbingraham]

It's because they showed up to the live gig 15 mins before the show starts, after the house has opened and an hour after the sound check was supposed to be complete. They don't have time to bring the root notes in from their car/van.

[@sfx1674]

That root note is usually imagined by the listener and that's what engages and rewards them. This quality is also what allows Jazz and other similar (world) music to have longer shelf life.

[@anatomicallymodernhuman5175]

As some one who has a music degree and has also written jingles and pop songs, I can answer the question, why do the academics get angry at you for doing deep-dive videos? Because you’re so much better at teaching it than they are. You’re showing them up. People like you, Ryan Leach, Rick Beato, Paul Thompson - I’ve learned far more, far better from you than I did in college or even OTJ in Nashville studios. The cream rises to the top, and there’s no longer anyone to hold you down so they can keep their vaunted position which they earned by playing the academic game rather than by being great teachers.

[@anatomicallymodernhuman5175]

@aaron singer, if you're better than Rick at teaching ear training and music theory, start a channel. I'll sub.

[@aiadeleon8989]

YES

[@ClaireHoldich]

As someone also with a music degree and who is also writing pop songs, I completely agree!

[@flinchyecho2135]

Rick beato is an actual legend. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't understand musical keys or modes or even chord structure. The man is a wonderful resource. And so is this person I just found her channel today while I'm at work lol so I got my headphones and and just learning as I go xD

[@kendallivy8922]

They also want success to be dictated by their (supposedly high) standards and it is not. It is talent/originality/creativity (and timing) driven, no formal education required.

[@jakesidwellmusic]

As a disabled composer, I cannot express enough how much I appreciate this discourse.

[@dodzidenudzakuma]

I love how you're not only in a power position, but you're using your experience and platform to break down the system one myth at a time.🔥 I wish your videos were around 20 years ago. Would have saved my sanity in music school. I remember saying that I liked 50 Cent and a violinist was like, 'I didn't know the symphony orchestra was lowering their standards for good brass players'. I cold turkeyed on music after graduating. Thank you for this F the system video 🤘🙏

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

About 5 years ago I went into piano store and discussed with the owner (guy who was about 55) about electric piano and played him a Piano peace I composed from My MP3 player. He was impressed saying "This is very good" but then asked what university did I go to and I said "none I'm self tought" and His face dropped in shock and said "Right well I cant help you, piano is not for you, goodbye" and waved his hand to the door, for Me to leave.

[@meis18mofo77]

he was terrified of your raw power :D

[@KrystofDreamJourney]

20 years ago there wasn’t internet on today’s means yet :-) BTW : I forwarded this video to all ... parents of my students !

[@dpetrov32]

why are black people obsessed with "f-ing the system"? are the stereotypes true after all?

[@tristanting6323]

You're not only a composer, you're a speaker. You can blow me away in a voice without any emotion. You are so great.

[@wolfhlm]

Tristan like you I’m deeply impressed. But by that wonderful combination of experience and (controlled but real) feelings. Yeah, the presentation is great. AK is a Professorin now.

[@dpetrov32]

absolutely agree tristan. she can blow me (and she does!) all the time.

[@jloiben12]

“Who decides what’s good?” The listener. It doesn’t matter if it is a music theory masterpiece or the biggest mess of theory to ever exist. If people like it then it is good

[@VictorMendiluce]

here goes a token of my appreciation, and a middle finger to all those elitists that told you that you can't give it away for free. For me music is a hobby for which I wouldn't pay the price of a degree, both in time and money. I'm learning so much with resources like your channel and other similar ones. My contribution is just a small thing to encourage you to continue. I assume there are young people who are also learning with your channel and have a brilliant future in music. Thanks Anne-Kathrin!

[@JamesWatsonComposer]

I live by Rick Beato's philosophy of music theory being simply a way to name the things you hear. Another wise thing I heard from a music school colleague once: "music dictates music theory but music theory doesn't dictate music."

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Oh I like that quote! It basically sums up the first half of my video in a way more efficient and eloquent way.

[@JamesWatsonComposer]

Not to sum up anything else you said in your video, but I like to hear that message every so often of (more or less bluntly) "always be humble and check your ego at the door" - one of the most valuable lessons I learned in academia honestly. Side note: thanks for speaking up for us millennials there near the end!

[@djfull4442]

It's insane how mature you are while being so young. I might have needed half of my life to get near your wisdom. Please spread it around and never stop. It's incredibly refreshing.

[@RenardeauGuy]

The problem with most film music academics is that it's more about your arguments for why you write something than the real thing you're expressing in music. The latter ensures that it is more about the technique than the music. You are right that expensive education is no guarantee of success. What you do in practice, including the awards, makes you.

[@InsidetheScore]

Very well said! When I first got into classical music I went through a phase of evaluating all music based on qualities of Stravinsky - but that was such an adolescent and foolish way to look at music. There's a heart within most music that goes well beyond any theory. I would say one big thing "theory" has helped me with is being able to understand and dissect other people's music, and quickly - which has definitely helped me massively with composing and conducting. You can learn more from studying other people's music than any textbook can teach you! Loving this channel, thanks for sharing

[@slartibartfast1268]

Simply not true. Both methods are worthwhile. To say that textbooks and courses have no value is just as close minded as the people and institutions you are disparaging.

[@murdo_mck]

Well said, Oscar! I think you are saying that textboook theory helps with the more important learning from other people's music. I'm struck though, by Anne-Kathrin's point about using modal interchange intuitively. Inspiration and intuition are even more important. I wonder if music theory or listening to other peoples music helps with that?

[@KylePreston]

I’ve never said “F@$% YEA” so many times whilst watching a KZbin video. Thank you for what you’re doing Anne, love everything about it, God speed!

[@jenniferthomas]

I just discovered you through the AWFC newsletter (hello fellow female film composer!). I love your thoughts and couldn't agree with you more. I have also struggled so much in my career with the classical world as well. Your video felt so validating. ❤️ Thank you!

[@geniicube9585]

OMG this is a must watch for everyone not just students not just musicians. I already appreciated and respected you but this takes you to another level. Thank you so much for doing this for all of us.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

I suppose it's just in my generation's nature to challenge the systems in place... The more people speak up, the sooner things can evolve into something better.

[@rackpit]

Thank you so much for this video, it‘s very inspirational. My dreams of becoming a Tonmeister and creating Music in general shattered at the entrance exams and I turned my back on music for many years. With your content and the way you present it, you inspire and motivate me to be creative again. Which is the most important thing for me with any teacher. And on top of that, there is brilliant information, structured in a way that makes the topics more accessible to me.

[@giarebig474]

Danke! Du sprichst mir aus der Seele!!!👏👏👍 Ich werde genau dieses Video meinen SchülerInnen zeigen und es mit ihnen besprechen! Wie du sagst, Uni/Kons gut und wichtig, aber nicht als Hüter der "reinen Lehre"! Alles Liebe aus Wien

[@DJKennethA]

Thanks for posting this. I actually went to U of MD school and got a music degree. There definitely felt like there was a fair amount of gate keeping in certain aspects of things. When I was there they were leaning heavily into the Avant Garde side of music and it was sort of looked down upon if you didn't take part in that ( or at least it felt that way) There was a big focus on what they called "new music" and it was kinda just weird and sometimes off the wall stuff ( a friend performed a piece where he dissassembled his trumpet as it went on which was pretty amusing) But ultimately they definitely focused more on the experimental side of things. I definitely appreciate this video. You made some excellent points. We certainly had some super well trained people who couldn't write music to save their life. And some others who were not as good at things like theory, who were able to just write some amazing things. But if you didn't know your theory? Pssshhh what a peasant. Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. This definitely needed to be said. Keep the awesome videos coming

[@StrengthandSanity]

Kenneth: was this UMBC under Stuart Saunders Smith by any chance?

[@DJKennethA]

@@StrengthandSanity I've been discovered! Yeah it was UMBC. At the time I was there I didn't have many interactions with him because of my track in music. In general though you could definitely feel the influence around the dept. ( I've edited this comment cause my previous one made no sense)

[@StrengthandSanity]

@@DJKennethA Billions of people on the planet and here we are: I also have a music degree from UMBC. Small world. Haha! I didn't study with Stuart because of this same attitude. It was clear that Stuart and I were not of the same mindset - I was forced to do an avant garde performance at one point as he rejected the piece I asked to play (which fit his criteria perfectly, but who needs facts getting in the way). My buddy and I did an admittedly terrible performance sort of mocking the entire thing and he wasn't happy. I remember him saying "you have offended the music gods." Whatever... that's just gatekeeping and it further soured me to "new" music (which that John Cage stuff was old AF by the late 90's when I was there) . I wanted to study composition, but opted to get my education from the jazz legends I studied under (Tom and Rick). Regardless, I think everything Ann says here is spot on. I didn't end up becoming a professional musician, but I still use my music skills daily and don't regret the path I chose.

[@lishtvanov]

​ @Strength and Sanity for me, it looks like they are afraid of talented people, who have the potential to compose actually good music. Probably they were also afraid of Anne. The "avant garde" ... well this "music" is not really music.

[@DJKennethA]

@@StrengthandSanity Waaaaait a minute I might actually remember that performance. Was this during one of the forums and you guys went up with electrical tape and one of you was shirtless? (A lot of us thought it was hilarious and really enjoyed you guys poking fun at them)

[@YuvalRon]

I agree and resonate. In a way i'm happy that I studied a lot by myself and from private tutoring rather than going to a music school. It made me understand things independently, albeit slower, but on a much deeper and personal level. Thank you for your channel, information and liberating views.

[@jessiechapters]

Your channel us honestly incredibly underrated. You deserve way more subscribers. I follow some other composing channels and they don't talk about stuff this and it's really important.

[@MercuryDJAtWork]

Just a small token of my appreciation for this wonderful and inspiring video as well as a few others of yours I have enjoyed watching. Keep on keeping on 😊

[@PhilipValdesMusic]

As someone who got a degree in a different field and didn’t really delve into music composition until later in life I find channels like yours invaluable. With a family and a career going back to college right now isn’t an option and I can read the same textbooks that you read in college but getting a practical perspective isn’t easy to come by. Even teachers in colleges might have great academic knowledge but may have never worked as a professional composer so channels like this are a great educational resource even for those getting a degree in music.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

I do indeed find that except for a handful of colleges, most of the teachers have either very little experience actually working in the field or their experience is very outdated. Some colleges bypass this problem by inviting a lot of guest lecturers but it doesn't really make up for the lack of practical knowledge in the day to day teaching. While school taught me a lot of useful things, I was quite shocked how little hands on knowledge I had when I started my first job.

[@witheringi9492]

I have just recently discovered your channel and I am in awe at the level of insight you posses regarding music. This video in particular is a master class in what music making should be about-life affirming creative expression. I have been a victim of gate keeping in academia and its soul destroying arbitrary judgements about talent. Thank you for making your experience and knowledge available for all of us.

[@VanessaWheeler-i7x]

You are so cool and so inspiring. Your insight and perspective has been more practical and enjoyable than any university classroom I’ve ever been in.

[@JohannesRiedlMusic]

What a great video. I really appreciate your words here. It's basically the same reason, I didn't study music at a school. My education was basically to low, to even set a foot on the campus of music universities. So I just did my own research, read books, took a few classes from udemy, and luckily found your KZbin Channel, which actually gave me all informations to build my career up to now. I'm very happy to have the chance accessing videos by professional content creators and industry professionals like you here on KZbin. Thank you for this video and your inspiring words Anne-Kathrin ☺

[@davidgroeneveld1382]

This video deserves many more views and many more thumbs up! And not only from people interested in music, also in other fields. This is an important discussion in general!

[@MarkusGuhe]

Excellent video - thanks for sharing your views! In my case the classical elitism actually discouraged me from studying music after the Abitur. I always had the impression that in Germany it was particularly bad, but over time I saw that's it's pretty universal. With some twists and turns I ended up becoming a musician anyway, just instead of classical Western music I'm now doing classical Japanese music now (and some quite idiosyncratic stuff). So, I completely agree with what you're saying: The gatekeepers are losing their power; the floodgates have opened. There are more avenues to music than formal education, now more than ever! (I'm tempted to say: "Power to the people", but that's so melodramatic .... 😁)

[@dannylynch3290]

You are so right, I am being told I can not study because Im not worthy or I am not privileged enough financially. I already have a degree and have learnt more on youtube or private classes. thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@andreyfw]

Genuinely thank you for your shared thoughts! I do hope that these video will help someone who need them in the right moment to decide and not give up music creation just because they don't have formal degree or have been rejected. Also thank you for sharing your personal story. I'm pretty sure you already making difference. Real one.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Thank you! I hope this helps someone in a moment of need.

[@GordonBazsaliJr]

I spent this video pointing at the screen in fervent agreement but keeping quiet bc I didn't want to miss the next sentence. You preach it, Ms. Dern! Yes! I can personally attest to many points made here.

[@HK-qu2hs]

Tack!

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Thank you! Happy Holidays!

[@volbers]

Thanks a lot for this video! I feel this so much. Though I have been writing and playing music for most of my life, I often felt excluded by "real" musicians. Studying music always felt to me like it was something for "the other kids", not the trash kid from a trash family that I thought myself of. I therefore assumed, despite having learned a bit of music theory in school, playing in a youth orchestra for a while and having played in two bands with class mates AND writing my own songs, that I would never be accepted in music school (in addition, my parents urged me to pursue a "real" career). So I didn't follow my passion in this way. Instead, I continued writing, playing and producing music on the side, as a hobby. It is only now that I have found people who appreciate what I am doing and support me enough that I have gained the confidence to put a little bit more thought and effort into it, but it took me so long to get here. Sorry for the wall of text. Again, thank you for making this video. Just one more thing: did you watch Tantacrul's video on elitism in music? It is also a great video on this topic.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

So sorry to hear that! Stories like this break my heart and really make me wish the status quo was different. I watched Tantacrul's video just now after you pointed it out. Really interesting thoughts that I very much agree with - plus his production value is way higher than mine. 🙂 Funny that this is being discussed so much right now. Something must be in the air...

[@GuyVignati]

6:20 about this topic I’d like to add that a genius of composer such as Jerry Goldsmith learned almost everything privately (excluding few classrooms), with great teachers of course, but outside any form of college and conservatory…

[@PADsoundtrack]

You're speaking the truth here, and for that, and because of what you deliver musically, you're one of the greatest out there I think. Thanks for making music and videos 🙏

[@luisvargas5523]

I recently had an Master class at my Uni(where I study music) with Tom Holkengborg (aka Junkie XL) and he said “with all the respect I believe education should be free and that it was an unhealthy environment charging so much for education ”, you should of seen the professors’ faces. Their souls left their bodies. And pretty much everything you said about education, same views, no matter where you get it youtube, books, friends in the field, tutors, anythings is a good source and it should be free. sharing knowledge to the world will make it better, so Thank you for sharing not just your knowledge, but your experiences and help the community grow!

[@norwalltino]

I like your start, nice nature, normal approach to reach me, not fancy introduction, just calm and easy. Great. Then a very interesting topic, I've lived it through, and your opinion is so true. 😀😃😄

[@RomanWaves]

Liebe Anne-Kathrin, vielen vielen Dank für deine Videos, deine Meinung und deine Expertise. Ich kann so gut nachfühlen, was Du in diesem Video sagst. Ich habe selbst mit 20 zur Musik gefunden und bin auf dem Weg Medien Komposition zu studieren, entweder an einer Uni oder eben auf eigenem Wege, wenn es nicht anders gehen sollte. Danke für all dein großzügiges Wissen - du bist auf diese Art eine Bereicherung und tolle Begleitung. Roman aus Marburg in Hessen :)

[@rudyagresta]

Your channel is the best. Thanks so much for sharing your time, talent, and wisdom. God Bless.

[@wolfhlm]

Thank you very much for sharing so openly your experience. I like your human perspective, i.e. talking real things and knowing the diversity of people. btw a big respect for your eloquence. You and Jürgen (Klopp, FC Liverpool) are my motivators in learning languages. Cheers from Freiburg.

[@raffaelecipriano]

"I am convinced half of their chords are just clusters" ..cracked me up! Very thoughtful and genuine perspectives throughout the whole video.. thank you so much for sharing your experience!!

[@PedroVercesi]

Dear Anne, my most sincere congratulations for all the content of your YT channel. Greetings from Argentina

[@joseluisrevelo]

Gatekeeping is probably the thing I abhor the most about my music profession. Thank you so much for this video. I had a similar journey as you, luckily eventually getting a partial scholarship. But I learned as much, if not more, outside of academia as inside. I just found you and I am fan.

[@arujunior3726]

Very good! Very philosophical, very democratic and it shows a free spirit and free person. I have been through some of that shit and could identify myself on your positions. I’m very glad to have crossed my way with yours. It’s been a pleasure and a good surprise

[@armandovillegas7937]

So young and so wise. Thank you for this video. I will be forever grateful and your fan. God Bless.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

Ha, young... my back is starting to tell a different story...

[@supernerdinc5214]

I was an above average technical player when I was 18. I went for an audition for a scholarship at Berkeley. The people at that table were condescending and dismissive. The head of the guitar department wanted to get me in, but was overruled. It set up this false narrative in my head for years that I wasn't good enough. I can't help but think how different things might have gone if I'd been able to get the education. Ps... I'm really enjoying your videos. Thank you for making them.

[@The_Crucifix]

Thanks. I was already thinking of quitting composing, because I'm 21 years old, and I have absolutely no education. This idea that: "You can't write music if you haven't graduated from the conservatory" was killing me, although already at the age of 20 I was writing, it seems, quite complex music. This video really helped me, thank you

[@theb_roll]

Great video! I've been enjoying your videos, your music sounds great! Congratulations on successfully making it through the tough road of Education and not giving up.

[@jbaddley]

Great commentary! First time viewer. I'm very much an amateur composer and loved your analysis. Well done. I'll be coming back!

[@WaldemarMoes]

Anne, you probably know the story: Tchaikovsky was not admitted to the Moscow Conservatory that now bears his name ;-) Thank you for your insights and teachings! Warm greetings from one of your preferred countries, The Netherlands.

[@vleiratfilms2020]

You make music and how we create it so friendly. Thank you for this useful encouraging video ..🌹 enjoyed the Satie in the background too. After 50 years in the music and entertainment business, I am doing it purely for fun.. and so lucky I can. ❤️ from 🇿🇦

[@paulc3037]

"The joke's on them now!" Indeed Anne-Kathrin! Another great, inspirational video, thank you so much for sharing :)

[@NB-qq8wo]

You're amazing Anne-Kathrin, thanks for sharing 👏👏👏

[@Aussibob1]

I didn't do a degree until I was 36, I now make a full-time living playing and teaching 3 instruments. I applied for a conservatorium at the age of 28 and was denied. I didn't give up though and here I am today. Lovely story, thanks for sharing

[@davehall8584]

What a FANTASTIC video....outstanding! ..thank you.

[@celliott1954]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. When I went to college (back in the 70's) I started with a double major...music (voice and piano) and psychology. The very first class I went to in the music department was for all music students, and the subject was basically "Are you good enough to be here?" The professor made it clear that many of us were not talented enough to major in music (even though he hadn't a clue of what we were capable of). Turned out the name of the department should have been "Music and Egotism". The level of elitism was suffocating. And to make it worse, my male voice teacher sexually harassed me during EVERY voice lesson with constant innuendo and off-color comments. He was possibly three times my age, and even invited me to his home (not as part of a group). I dropped the music major after the third semester and continued with psychology, eventually getting degrees in both Clinical and School Psychology, and having a great career. I've written music all my life, and now that I'm retired I'm learning music production from you and many other wonderful people sharing their knowledge and experience on YT. Thank you!!

[@iFFOGo]

I admire you! Continue to bring hope and light to the fallen :) Wish you easily succeed in every endeavor!

[@nazarhadidian]

All the great classical composers were graduates? The influence, discovering the self and the eager to learn and self improve comes from the poor class people. everyone struggled succeeded and left a legacy in a way or other. You are the greatest example and the BRAVE Anne! behind your words I felt the pain and the struggle and probably the hidden tears that led you to success. You are blessed, keep spreading wisdom and knowledge to all of us.

[@BigGiantCircles]

"I have a problem with that." Anyone with a shred of human decency should have a problem with that. Cheers for this video, elitism and gate-keeping are such out-moded mentalities. Write what you want to write, like what you want to like, and just let the bitter people fade into oblivion. 💙

[@waltertanner7982]

You, talking about the gate keepers, fittingly with Satie in the background, underlining your point! Best greetings from Germany!

[@jj4325]

Hoi Anne! :) Nu heb ik je gisteren pas ontdekt op YT via je Modulation video en nu lees ik pas dat je in Nederland hebt gestudeerd! Wat enorm leuk om te lezen. Ik had geen idee dat die 'vooropleiding' van het conservatorium iets typisch Nederlands was. Ik heb ook die vooropleiding gedaan en ben het met je eens dat het een mooie oplossing is voor mensen die enorm talentvol zijn maar nog net niet goed genoeg noten kunnen lezen of zo. Hoe dan ook; Ik ben blij met je video's en waardevolle lessen! Enne.... Als je ooit nog in Nederland komt.... Laten we een bakkie doen ;) Groetjes!

[@MusicianParadise]

Jumping on the jazz talk - we are playing those chords without the roots to give the bass players chance to transform the changes - all the fun in a jazz combo starts from the "rootless voicings". Great channel BTW!

[@Estel-z1c]

This video is incredible. Maximum respect for speaking up about this stuff.

[@joeharrisoncomposer]

(You're probably going to get quite a number of comment notifications from me; I've just discovered your channel and I'm so thrilled to have found a composer who is in my age group that I can really relate with -- so I'm basically going through and watching so many of your videos while I work). Truly appreciated this video and discussions. I have been composing orchestral music for about 15 years, but it's almost entirely been done "by ear" because I've never had the money for music education, despite trying multiple times over the years. I also have ADHD so I often have a difficult time retaining information, so this makes school settings more difficult for me, so there's been a legitimate question mark over whether or not an education would've even been good for me or if it would basically just shatter my poor fragile brain and body. I don't really know how to read or write music (though I've been very slowly trying to learn over the last two years). I did start getting REALLY interested in Music Theory during the pandemic and it quickly became a favorite topic. And similarly to you, it was interesting finding that I had already been using a lot of Music Theory "techniques" without even realizing it, I just hadn't known what to call them. Instead I was just composing and drawing from years of listening to composers like Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams, and implementing stuff I had heard them do. But to your point(s) on the problem of elitism, I have had a lot of trouble getting music gigs over the years because of my lack of education credentials. And this isn't just an issue in Music, but it's really part of a systemic issue especially in America where you have so many jobs that don't even want to see your application unless it has college credentials attached to it, even if the job in question doesn't even require skills learned from college. But yeah, unfortunately I've lost a number of gigs over the years because the client did some deeper digging on my background/portfolio and didn't find any kind of music education credentials. I have no idea how widespread this issue is in the music community, I'm hoping it's not THAT big of a an issue, generally, for composers like me. But in my little slice of the universe it's definitely been an issue. But I just carry on and do my thing and keep composing my own music, because ultimately I feel my "portfolio" should just speak for itself to any interested parties. But even aside from that, I just feel so much passion for music that not even the lack of an actual music career can keep me from just composing in my own time as a hobby. Thank you so much for your videos, and your very down-to-earth approach to the whole thing, instead of taking a more "ivory tower" approach. It truly means a lot, and I know not just to me.

[@YT2024Hayward]

Absolutely agree with 100% you said. I’m in my fifties and I recently learned cinematography, film editing and now I will start learning music scoring and composition. Im watching all your videos. Thanks for sharing and music lessons. You are very much appreciated by many.

[@theashen]

I love this. So true. I’m a generation older but I’m totally inspired by young people who really want something so much that they will make the most interesting and exciting art and if they need to learn something they can find it on KZbin

[@teotammivuori3209]

Wow! Your major poins are so true in almost any of so called academic art education. Not just music. Coming from field of architecture this sounds almost too familiar. Small group of elitists defines what's good and what's not. When at university in our first year, we were kind of separated in two groups: those who are bad and those who had "talent". The judgement was not done regarding Your skills. It was done looking at Your personal style: do You look like an architect? and speak like an architect? It kind of opened my eyes about academic art education. I have witnessed it too many times, if You serve the elitist continuum and fit in that or if You have connections, You can publish anything that has difficult words and complicated sentences as an academic paper even if there's no sense in it and no one can understand your thinking. The ones who speak clearly and can make the common understand their point are considered heretic and dangerous by the elite. Sometimes it has even qualities of a religious cult. I think there's not one sacred truth in what's art, music or architecture. There are many of truths in all of those. There are many ways of looking at things or hearing things. This is why I don't want to teach at academic level.

[@soundtreks]

This is a testimony to persistence and not giving up. I learned more about music after I left university than I ever did during the years I studied it there. As you said, everyone learns differently and a classroom isn’t always conducive for all. Plus, I found the level of teaching was much better In faculty of arts compared to fine arts.

[@alanhaughton4793]

Thank you Anne-Kathrin; inspirational and empowering!

[@Nightowl427272]

Excellent video. Success isn’t only dependent on education and opportunity. It’s often more dependent on drive, courage, focus, ambition. You must clearly have those qualities in abundance to follow the path you did. Most people don’t have the guts to leave their home country and far fewer have the determination to learn another language just to attend a specific school. Wow! You have truly forged your own path…bravo!!!

[@alainberthe1329]

You're totally right! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences.. Life is life and you have to live it with your own means as well as with your own madness and creativity.. See Egberto Gismonti who started is mastering of music first by going from Brazil to France and studying with the great Nadia Boulanger.. then going back to Brazil and immerse himself in the life and culture of Brazilian indian forest people to understand their relation to music, sounds, nature and universe.. he then came out with a profound and highly personnal music style which will stand up the changes of times..

[@justinkfilms]

Watching your videos and implementing your advice, I've learned in one month more than since I started learning music 2 years ago. None courses and\or KZbin videos are even close to what you share! Keep it up🔥

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

I'm so glad to hear that! That's what this is all about!

[@rebeccaleek3852]

Love the start of this video.. buckling up!

[@mgckavanagh]

Incredible Anne-Kathrin! Thank you so much for truth-telling!

[@Seraph137]

Your Awesome! I am interested in learning more about music composing, not as a career or even for money, it is really just a hobby. I just enjoy learning (I am a teacher by trade). I really appreciate KZbin channels like yours. I have zero interest in paying for more college. I guess you could even say I have a unique 'pathway', which I think is fine because in the end, I am just enjoying the process as I go. Thank you, please keep making more videos :)

[@daniel.vega.composer]

This lady is spitting pure facts! Thanks for speaking out for the majority of us! 👏

[@crissabater7698]

Loved this video! I have been saying this in the UK for years. A very insightful look into a world that is changing slowly for the better. Great work and well said!

[@mbaldwinlobue]

I love music. I want to learn more about it, write it, make it. I want to support my son, who wants to do the same. Those are reasons enough for me. I doubt either of us will go to school to do any of that, particularly me at this point in my life and yet...I don't think that will end up limiting us...particularly him. Some of the things he writes...it just amazes me, but we are both teaching ourselves and each other. We find communities and other resources to educate ourselves outside of academia and we are patient. You, Anne, are one such resource for me. Both what you say in your videos and how you say it are indeed a spark of inspiration and I'm sure many of your subscribers feel the same...not just me.

[@TeleStrat335]

Love your perspective, Jazz guitarists and pianists often leave out the root , especially in the lower register in order to free up those low frequencies so the bassist has freedom to use substitute notes.

[@BryannaHitchcock]

I was great at school and could play guitar well, but I was self taught. Music classes were the hardest classes in college and had a pretty brutal environment. I still play music, study theory, and write songs, but it was clear that the classroom was not right for me and many others. Glad you found a home at UCLA and a career in music. You are such a fighter. Really enjoying your videos.

[@raezz1]

Great video! I love music and I love learning, so please keep up your good work.

[@vitoandreamorra]

Hi Anne-Kathrin. I live in Italy and here everybody can freely have access to every kind of school, conservatory, university. In Italy the school is 90% public and in the public school you can find the highest level teachers. Nobody in Italy has never been told "you are too poor to study with us". I'm a "jazz composition" teacher in the italian conservatory and, obviously, we have entrance tests, but we also have pre-academic classes in order to offer education even at a basic level. And I can say without any doubt that most of our students reach a very good level when they complete their "academic journey" with us and some of them have already become wonderful professional musicians (both instrumentalists and arrangers-composers). I'm so sorry when I hear that academic educations kills creativity. It's the exact opposite! Me, as a teacher, I always try to find ways to encourage my students in being creative! Academics absolutely don't kill creativity; I'd better say bad teachers kill creativity! Thank you for your very good and interesting videos! All the best! Vito Andrea Morra from Bari (Italy).

[@88smypassion2]

I have enjoyed so many of your videos. This is my favorite by far. Your authenticity is commendable and wish you enormous success in the future.

[@randall42]

I add my voice to those of all the others here who appreciate and applaud your thinking. There is too much gatekeeping in so many artistic and scholastic areas-too much elitism, too much attempt to be the sole arbiter of what is good and what is not good, who is worthy of access to the sacred knowledge and who is not. The already great respect and esteem I had for you, your art, and your expression just doubled with this video. Thank you so much for posting this!

[@waltertill1388]

100% confirm your point of view about studying! - the same to me - did/could not finish the university of audio engineering - but i was ask multiple times to teach there. - best greetings from vienna - close to synchron stage :) - thanks for your videos!

[@electropunkzero]

I went to University of North Texas for the music composition program but was severely let down. It seemed like all they cared about was the most abstract and avant-garde music that was notated with pictures of clouds and bunny rabbits. I realized I would never learn how to score a film in the program. The director had more of an ego about looking intellectual and sophisticated and cutting edge than caring about teaching practical skills to make a living. Berklee had a totally different vibe. They actually talked about music business and it was so much more relevant to the real world.

[@tosvus]

I'm slowly learning about composition, orchestration (even playing the piano) on my free time. I have a good career, but it is not my passion. I don't have the energy to do formal studies on the side, and I certainly don't feel comfortable giving up my very well paid job, and not be able to support my family on the hope that I become successful at creating music one day. I hope I can create good music one day, and I appreciate all the help that people like Anne-Kathrin provides to people like me.

[@edouardapariciocomposer6326]

wow. thank you for this amazing video. so long that I wait for a professional to have a speech like you. thank you. I agree 100% with your whole video. it feels good.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

It was very much triggered by a letter I read recently. It was an open letter by Danny Elfman, from many years ago, to a music professor who had bashed his music because the professor perceived Elfman to be uneducated and unskilled. I believe Hans Zimmer also recently spoke out about this issue on Facebook in a thread where music critics were bashing very specific film composers who weren't writing the old-fashioned way. It's a bit of an uphill battle...

[@DanieleNasuti]

@@AnneKathrinDernComposer well, if you watch the documentary called ENNIO released few months ago by Tornatore, you'll find that Morricone were criticized too and a lot by those kind of "classical people". I thinks that Morricone had a lot of struggle with this because that ambient haven't recognize him as a real composer, even his friend/professor... and he was one of the most great composers ever, with classical studies and so on. He was maybe the first to experiment with sounds and techniques that today are so trending. Watch it if you haven't yet, really interesting and inspirational

[@patpercu]

You are a gem. Musically and as a person. You're totally right in your analysis of our contemporary music world. I'm deeply moved by the amount of courage you've showed throughout your musical path as a German girl without prestigious academic cursus who decides to become film composer for Hollywood. Love your channel ...... your orchestration tips are gold mine.

[@unclemick-synths]

Well said. Especially student debt - it's a way for other people to get hold of your future earnings so never borrow a cent more than absolutely _absolutely_ necessary.

[@gonzalozubillaga9341]

Really funny and cool of you! Thanks for your two cents

[@joachimlinhart5552]

Danke!

[@christycm5946]

Can you go back in time and show this video to my younger self genuinely worrying over whether I would be taken seriously due to where I went to school and who I studied with 🤣 again love your perspective and direct communication. Miss ya friend

[@MusicalWizardryMarcoIannello]

If we have to call "controversy" what should actually be the norm, then so be it 😉 I 100% agree with you, Anne-Kathrine, and have a few thoughts of my own, particularly with regards to gatekeeping: one can always (often?) hear that knowledge should be accessible to all, yet the majority of "providers" actually do everything they can to prevent access to knowledge. I certainly appreciate there are costs associated with learning, like providing infrastructures, materials, staff, etc., but I feel like that the norm is that knowledge is reserved to only a few selected ones, who, as you mentioned, do not accept a vision or perspective different to theirs ("elitism"). Also, they clearly see the Internet as an enemy, because it facilitates self-learning. Also, having to go into massive debt, thus affecting one's well-being, too, that too I cannot fathom why it is an acceptable practice. I truly hope we can rid of those old dinosaurs sooner than later, it will eventually happen, and we can only hope we have made more progress by then, so that we can keep moving forward in a direction that is fair for everybody

[@wolfcomposer4853]

knowledge has never been more easily and cheaply available before in history. Yes, universities are ridiculously overpriced (esp in art in relation to average the income prospects). But - and that's not just in reply to you - stop the complaining! So many other options available nowadays: buy books; go on KZbin or similar and watch thousands and thousands of tutorials FOR FREE!; go on one of the many online course platforms and buy courses for fractions of the cost of universities (lots of great stuff out there). Things are really quite awesome today (I started learning before the internet; I've lived the changes it brought). oh, and: some knowledge has to be earned. It doesn't just come to one for free just because one fancies it. And: you can only make proper use of it if you actually earn it. also, some of your statements are blatantly false.

[@polkmusic]

Thanks for posting this. You are so correct on the student loan issue. It is a travesty and should be done away with. There are so many ways to get education now. Your channel is among those I would recommend to anyone looking to further their training.

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

I continue to be shocked how some schools can charge an annual middle class income per year and get away with it, knowing fully well the average income after graduation is usually around the poverty line. It should be illegal, especially without an explicit disclaimer for every applicant.

[@scb1620]

I've only been composing for about 5 years, but I've developed a passion for it. However, at the age of 60 I'll not be going back to University, so I rely on channels like yours to fill in the gaps in my knowledge. Your channel is by far the best in my opinion - you just tell it like it is. I watch other channels, such as Rick Beato, but he can be somewhat elitist - he has his conceptions about what a "proper" song is and if it doesn't meet his criteria then it's garbage. I believe that music is more than the sum of it's parts and that if a piece of music makes you feel something, then it's done it's job. I'm not completely ignorant when it comes to music theory, I've been a gigging musician for over 40 years. When I look back at my earlier work, I often prefer it to what I'm currently doing. When I first started, I went out of my way to break as many musical rules as I could get away with and still have it sound coherent. Most of it didn't work, but every now and again I'd come up with something amazing. I know a lot more now and the overall quality of my work has improved dramatically, but I find it harder to recreate the raw inspiration of the music I created at the beginning when my knowledge was limited. Thanks for the amazing work you do with your channel.

[@astrotrance]

I highly recommend Caustic 3, a $10 app that's like a scaled-down Ableton or FL Studio. It's changed my life. Even though I don't compose professionally yet, I love that the ability to compose has been unlocked and continues to grow.

[@NONFamers]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts an knowledge with the world - This is highly appreciated, at least by me! As music goes, I am but a self-taught amateur, but I still strive to learn as much as I can, even as I am approaching my sixties... 'Right' music is what feels right to you, what you feel tells a story or paints a landscape or evokes a particular feeling. The elitism actually made me reconsider and back off when I contemplated joining the music industry in one way or another back in my early days. Instead I got a degree in electronics and today I work as a patent attorney, but I have never given up music - I play, and listen, and learn as much as I can whenever I have the time to do so.

[@Anthony23041953]

What you are describing is basically what goes on everywhere in all areas of life. People try and protect their jobs and salaries by making out that they are unique. The best example is in the professions, like law and medicine. It’s simply everyone just protecting their jobs and income

[@BF-up5xw]

I have independent concerns about the ready availability of putative information and the difficulty in developing the skills to evaluate and critique that putative information. It makes it too easy to think that one knows something that one does not, or to be overwhelmed by conflicting ideas without being able to get some foothold to begin making progress. But, it is better than no information being available. It's just that hearing/reading something, knowing that it is true, and knowing how to do things, are all very different. But that's much less specific than what you were addressing; and I really enjoyed hearing your views and experience. Thank you!

[@AnneKathrinDernComposer]

I do understand what you mean - now that absolutely everyone can put information out there, people need to develop skills to critically evaluate the source. Personally, I like to consume multiple resources about a topic I'm researching and then I see where the overlaps are. I will also look up the person who is presenting the information - if there is no work history to be found in the field, then I'll be more careful. But at the end of the day it's all about trying things out. I can watch 20 different videos about how to brew coffee with the Aeropress but I'll have to try out all those recipes and methods presented to actually find out what works for me personally.

[@xaverk]

I completely agree with you on every point. What you say applies not only to music, but to the entire school and university system. I grew up making music, in very different genres. However, I never became a professional musician, but continued to work in the natural sciences. But even there, it has to be said that the establishment has completely shot itself in the foot. Science, just like the music world, has to completely reinvent itself. And I think music has even made a good deal of progress on the right path.

[@maxtofone]

Another enlightening video by Miss Dern... I completely agree that people learn in different ways and these days there are so many opportunities available to study/learn and practice compare to twenty years ago. I also advise people not to get into heavy debts to study music and not just for people in the States, repaying 50-100k can take a lifetime unless you make it big, which can be a possibility, but sometimes life doesn't always go as planned... I personally faced the elitism of classical conservatoire and it wasn't pretty for someone who came with a popular/rock music background. Regarding the aspect of knowing and studying music theory, I personally feel that it doesn't hurt to educate oneself but without obsessing over and running the risk of getting stuck by internalizing too many concepts without putting them into practice in one's music. Thank you Miss Dern for this great video and keep these controversial topics coming. Kind regards and many blessings, MaxT