August 29th, 2010 – Way back when first started this site in 2008, I talked briefly about how video games like Guitar Hero or Rockband, might inspire a whole new generation of musicians. Well I just wanted to share that I met one.
Today, I recorded a demo for a young man who is going to give Dave Mustaine (of Megadeth) a CD this Friday. He started playing Guitar Hero, mastered all the songs on Expert Mode, which got him interested in learning how to play the songs for real. He now knows half of Megadeth’s catalogue, and Metallica’s entire catalogue; every solo, every riff. Time from Guitar Hero to real guitarist? One and a half years. His age? 12.
When his dad told me that he was good, I held healthy skepticism; after all, all parents think their kids are awesome. However, when I started talking to the young chap, and he indeed would rip off note perfect songs as he discussed them, it became apparent that he was the real deal. He’s not just some mimicking robot either, 3 of the 4 songs we recorded today were written completely by him (the other was a Megadeth cover obviously). Did I mention that he’s also self-taught?
It looks like this is where our future musicians are going to come from. Unlike when I started piano lessons, learning music through video games introduces the world of musicianship through fun. I used to practice piano 4 hours a day, and longed to play outside every minute of it. This kid practices 4 hours a day because he wants to. He doesn’t even play video games anymore because it cuts into his practice time.
Anyways, I just wanted to share his amazing story because I think that there are tonnes of young people out there like him, and that we’re going to see a huge resurgence in musicians in a few years. Exciting times!
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