"Listening DEEP"... Exploring the Elements of Classic Rock Music
My Pen Name is William W. Nelson and I am the Founder of The Asheville School of Classic Rock (ashevilleschoolofclassicrock.com) is a subsidiary of Classic Rock Turntables.com, Inc. (classicrockturntables.com), a registered NON Profit Corporation of the State of North Carolina.
It is the Mission of the "Intensive Learning" ASCR to teach Students how to listen to the Elements of Classic Rock Tracks and what the use of these Elements of the "Sounds" made by Tracks of the Classic Rock Era from its Roots in the 50s through the 60s, 70s, and early 80s.
Rhythm: Backbeat Emphasis creates a strong Danceable groove to fundamental Rock
Syncopation: Patterns where Accents fall off of the main Beat with Drum patterns adding interest and drive to Guitar, bass lines, and Vocals
Rhythm Section Layers: Interlocking Patterns that vary in Density and Complexity between Sections
Dynamic Rhythmic Textures: The use of sparser, looser Rhythms for tightly, coordinated, driving Choruses... Bridges or Solos shifts in Meter to heighten Sounds
The Asheville School of Classic Rock Program:
Our 4-week+ Program (starts the weekend before the 1st of the month to the weekend after the end of the month)... 6 Classes per year
Candidates: Through our Interview process, we will select 3 viable (4 member) Rock Bands who meet the requirements... Note: extra band Members will be allowed to audit the Program
Assess Musical Proficiency" (technical skills, ensemble playing, , intonation, and expression abilities
Evaluate their Music awareness of the Group, Collaboration, and ability to explore Classic Rock Styles
Consider their Creativity and passion for Classic Rock
Demonstrate their ability to make Cover Tracks of Classic Rock... each band must select 3 tracks to play in the "Band-off" in week 4
Homework before the start of Class:
Research our Websites thoroughly and sign up to our Facebook Page, Asheville School of Classic Rock.com
If you do NOT have one, obtain a Certificate for Music Theory 1 and 2 (link)... especially concentrating on the Theory 2 section on "Ear Training"
You will receive a List of appropriate (TRUE) Classic Rock Songs from the Classic Rock Era (includes early Tracks that began to form the definition of Classic Rock) to listen to and document your "Feelings" about the viability of the Track to be on your "SETLIST"
You will be given a list of equipment and space requirements to create a Home Office of Music
The Weekend before:
Introductions and Logistics
Discussion of the Evolution of Rock Music, beginning with the Blues Era in New Orleans... the Sounds that evolved following the Mississippi upriver to Memphis, St. Louis, and Chicago... then onto the Big Apple where Radio began its influence, whereby Jazz Rock was introduced, and the Ship sailed to the Classic Rock Era
Discussion of the impact that Classic Rock had on the Evolution of Rock Music
Discussion of just what "Ear Training is by using examples from the List
Weeks 1 and 2... Listen to and analyze the myriad of Tracks of the various genres of Classic Rock Tunes (Classic, Blues, Jazz, CountryClearly identify the, Soft, Funk, and Progressive)
Study the Early years to 1963
Study the years 64 to 69... analyze the impact Woodstock69 had on the evolution of Rock n Roll.
Study the years 70 to 75
Sthud the years 76 to 80
Study the years 81-84... analyze the evolution of Music to this point
The objective of this Period of the Program:
Identify the Sounds created by the Track... separate Voice from Instrument from Instrument... understand the Timbre of a Sound or Note with respect to its Pitch, Volume, or intensity... document how some Sounds work well and those that do not... document suggestions as to how to improve the segment or the position and lengths or intensity of Riffs or repetitive Chords
Understand the effects of the Volume dynamics and the Duration of the Rhythm... and how you might modify it
Understand the grouping of Measures and their Time Signature and arrangements
Understand Tempo and how it vaires between Tracks... is the tempo too slow or too fast?... what is the wide array of Tempos and which ones make sense for a track?
Does the Dynamics of a track allow you to hear the Lyrics clearly?... are some Riffs too loud or long?... do the changes between loud and soft Sounds complement the Message of the track?
Understand how the Melody moves by note... does it create Smoothness and a consistent Sound
Does the Harmony stack to your satisfaction or are the lined up?... is it Consonant or Atonal?... a pleasant or uncomfortable Mood? can some of the Chords be made Sharper or Flatter?
Are the layers of the Sounds Mono or Homo... a single Melody Line or with harmonic accompaniment?
The Student will have collaborated with the team, learning the intricacies of a great track... how the loudness and Clarity of its sounds complement the result... is the tonal balance and Dynamic range in a stage of coexisting or do frequency conflicts and details require cleaning up (Why?) When each band makes a Demo they will have learned what not to do to create Listening Fatigue and a Balanced set of Sounds.
This is the first Step of mastering the following Skills:
Intuitively recognize Note Intervals, Chords, and Progressions, and what different methods can be used to enhance Sounds on a Track
Enhance the ability to perceive relative Pitches and Rhythm in a Track, supporting better Sound intuition of the Accuracy of Pitch
The development of enhanced Improvisational Skills
Creation of a deeper level of the understanding of innovative Musical Elements and the use of Tools to enhance Sounds
Week 3... What makes a Track Top 40 Material?
Cover the Track Rating System developed ay classicrockturntables.com... what are the Categories that make up a successful track
Using the list of the Top 10 Tracks for each of the Study years, discuss each by using the Rating System
When complete, Cuss and Discuss them to make a collaborative list of the all-time Top 40 Classic Rock Songs
Week 4... Each Band will pick 3 Songs to Cover
Each Band will be assigned a Mentor to assist in the refinement of their Choices, and will have 3 days to prepare for the Band-off... a group of Judges from the Music Industry will give each Band a detailed analysis of their work for refinement...
The Band-off will be held at a Venue (tbd) with a live Audience on Saturday night, and the Winner will be able to choose which Song to make a Demo to be distributed to potential Promoters
On the last day, we will review the Session and cover the Business of Music Production with actual
What should Attendees in our Program expect to gain from the 4-week session?
Band members who attend the Asheville School of Classic Rock 4-week program on the art of "Listening," which uses Classic Rock Tracks as the basis, should focus on developing an advanced understanding of Music Theory, Ear Training, and the critical elements of classic rock music—such as Composition, Harmony, Melody, and Rhythm. They will learn to listen analytically to how Classic Rock Musicians from the 50s, 60s, and 70s innovated and applied Music Theory concepts to create distinctive sounds and styles... and, most importantly, how Classic Rock influenced the evolution of Rock n Roll
The Program emphasizes "Experimental Learning," where Students engage intellectually, creatively, emotionally, and socially with Rock Music, learning from both successes and challenges. The Curriculum is designed to deepen Students' intuitive ability to hear and understand the individual elements of Tracks. This knowledge prepares them to create unique Styles and master their Music production skills in a Rock context.
Additionally, Band Members are expected to commit to the structured learning Pathway offered by the School, which guides them toward potential Career opportunities in the Music industry. The experience also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills essential for succeeding in professional Music paths.
After finishing the Asheville School of Classic Rock 4-week program on "Listening" using classic rock tracks, attendees should plan to leverage their deepened understanding of classic rock music theory and listening skills in their future musical appearances by:
Selecting classic rock tracks that showcase a range of the key musical concepts learned (e.g., distinctive rhythms, harmonies, and melodic phrasing) to demonstrate their analytical listening skills and stylistic versatility.
Incorporating elements of the classic tracks studied, such as signature riffs, chord progressions, and arrangements, into their own performances or covers, adapting them creatively to fit their band's style.
Preparing setlists that mix well-known classic rock songs with original pieces inspired by the theoretical and ear training skills gained, showing both respect for the roots and innovation.
Collaborating with band members to apply the experimental learning approach, ensuring performances emphasize both technical precision and emotional expression learned in the course.
Taking advantage of networking opportunities by engaging with mentors, industry professionals, and fellow musicians met during the program to seek gigs, recording opportunities, or further education.
Planning continuous practice focused on ear training and music theory application to refine performance skills and maintain growth beyond the program.
Presenting themselves confidently as musicians well-versed in classic rock tradition and theory, leveraging this as a unique selling point in auditions, gigs, and music industry interactions.
Ultimately, attendees should aim for performances that reflect their advanced listening skills and understanding of classic rock, bridging foundational knowledge with creative expression to make engaging and authentic appearances.
If desired, more detailed guidance on setlist creation or professional development following the program can be provided.
Note from Willie to Music Schools: Let me make it clear that ASCR is NOT in Competition with the many fine Schools that teach basic and refined Music Skills...
Music Schools should not see the Asheville School of Classic Rock (ASCR) as competition because ASCR primarily serves Students who have already completed foundational programs at traditional music schools (or self-taught) and helps them advance to the next level in their Music Careers. ASCR offers a unique, focused Curriculum on advanced Music Theory, Ear Training, and practical application within Classic Rock contexts, filling a specialized niche that complements rather than duplicates general Music education.
Moreover, ASCR fosters a collaborative Music Community, mentoring students to become confident, skilled Musicians who can thrive in real-world Band settings and the Music industry. This collaborative and advanced focus positions ASCR as a partner in Student development rather than a competitor, as it enhances and advances the skills gained from other Schools.
In essence, ASCR complements the broader Music Education Ecosystem by nurturing Students who have foundational Training and are ready to deepen their Craft and Career readiness using Classic Rock as a lens, making it a valuable extension for Music Schools' Alumni and Students... and for all of the "Wannabe" Garage Bands that need to "Kickstart" their pathway to success!