Do you need to be an expert in this to be on Broadway? — Page 2

Yes Judy - but I can't for the life of me read time signatures or chord structures - its like reading chinese or something - totally bizarre (and my father was a musical genius - he could play any instrument the first time he picked it up, taught piano, sax, violin, trumpet, just to name a few) but I think its because he was so strict about learning it correctly - he tried to teach me from the time I was about 4 years old - and I just fought it every step of the way)...so I have a mental block against it. and believe me- as an adult I've tried over and over to learn but to this day can only follow a melody line on the page - thats about it.

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Rath is right, but I do feel it's important to have a musical understanding, rather than just being able to follow the bouncy ball.....
A good musician will take the music home after rehearsal and really study it themselves. Work on dynamics, tempos, accents, etc. They should understand the style in which it is written, which is given away through clues in rhythm and tempo.
I know that is also what a music director is there for, but a professional musician shouldn't need to be so spoon-fed.

I still love all of you..... this is just a touchy subject for me I guess!
And a sidenote, while I don't think it is neccessary for a Broadway singer at all, my voice degree REQUIRES us to be able to play the piano- any music degree does. Which is frivolous I guess if you just want to perform, but very useful for those who are heading into teaching.
Actually, it also helps with your relationship with your accompanist. Like how actors who have worked as techies are more sensitive to the ways of techies, and vice versa. If you are a pianist, you understand what the pianist needs from you, the singer, and what you need from the pianist.

Updated On: 9/1/04 at 11:25 AM

What are you talking about? Hell, you don't have to be talented anymore to be on Broadway.

Haha Tom, it's SOOO true!