Funk University Disappointment

[Angus]

They aren't griping that information isn't coming quickly enough- they're saying that it isn't thorough enough, and isn't being presented in a way that is very conducive to proper learning.

It's like sticking with a teacher who is unable to provide details about the concepts he gives, and instead just tells you to play it back over and over. It ends up being nothing but finger excercises. That isn't thorough, and it wouldn't be a good lesson plan. That would not be worth sticking out.

It isn't clear to me why you suggest they stick it out, when you are arguing that it won't be a good learning tool anyway (not a band context). You definitely seem to be riding the fence. Which is fine.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

I'm not riding the fence at all.

 

[Johnius]

There have many thoughtful points made in this thread. I've been playing bass for about 4 years and so I thought that maybe I was missing something in the curriculum, because I absolutely love Bootsy doing the Bootsy thing, but just don't take anything away from my class time. It is probably best to give this thing more time.

However, I don't see anyone telling me I am mistaken about my interpretation of the content. So my subscription remains cancelled.

Maybe what they're trying to teach just can't be taught?

 

[lamarjones]

I've learned more in this past year from a guitar player I play with, and it's because he is a good teacher as well as a player. And the things he tells me are based off the things we ask and the things we encounter as we play different things in our 'funk jazz' band.

I would expect certain things to be taught in there like basics of blues, why the hell the funk chord has a major third and a minor third (call it a sharp 9 all you want), and so forth.

But that said, I got a hell of a lot of techniques and such from video. It doesn't replace jamming with real people but it certainly does supplement when you get in the room AND you aren't all about showing everything you know. Just making connections with what you know and what is going on.

Not all that familiar with Bootsy, but some of the things I've seen in interviews don't make me think he would be a great teacher. But maybe not as bad as futureman from the Flecktones, that dude has tossed out more BS during his 'seminars' than anyone I've ever heard before. Or at least, that is suppossedly sober.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

But maybe not as bad as futureman from the Flecktones, that dude has tossed out more BS during his 'seminars' than anyone I've ever heard before. Or at least, that is suppossedly sober.

Can you provide examples of this BS?

 

[lamarjones]

Can you provide examples of this BS?

WHAT exactly is mapped to the periodic table of elements on the synth? I have never heard him explain what exactly is tied to it. If it's atomic number, that is just a bunch of integers and anyone can make that claim that it's tied to anything that is numbered 1 through blah blah. If it's atomic weight, I'd like to know how that ends up being useful, as the differences per element are very unique.

But all I hear is 'it's a left turn at Albuquerque'. Please don't assume I can't follow or I don't know what's up, I took a lot of chemistry and physics.

 

[Phil Smith]

Funk University? Well, there's your probelm right there.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

WHAT exactly is mapped to the periodic table of elements on the synth? I have never heard him explain what exactly is tied to it. If it's atomic number, that is just a bunch of integers and anyone can make that claim that it's tied to anything that is numbered 1 through blah blah. If it's atomic weight, I'd like to know how that ends up being useful, as the differences per element are very unique.

But all I hear is 'it's a left turn at Albuquerque'. Please don't assume I can't follow or I don't know what's up, I took a lot of chemistry and physics.

Did it ever occur that some artists just don't want to give up all the info or give up info so easily from what they have worked so hard to gain and establish? For it to then become watered down and it's meaning and integrity then loses it's true value.

And no I'm not being sarcastic.

 

[lamarjones]

Did it ever occur that some artists just don't want to give up all the info or give up info so easily from what they have worked so hard to gain and establish? For it to then become watered down and it's meaning and integrity then loses it's true value.

And no I'm not being sarcastic.

That hasn't occurred to me as much as many artists are just full of BS. And sorry, that is MUCH more truthful in life than you think. Truthfully, I think you know this.

 

[bigfatbass]

The Futureman character is just that. A fabricated role, who's job is to click annoyingly on a pile of electronics ruining what should have been a great band. The only reason he is a Flecktone is that I believe Victor must have said if he goes I go. There is no other possible explanation for giving that Atari 2600 drum machine space in a gig. Really.

To go to a "seminar" expecting to learn something from this joke/cartoon character says much more about the person paying, than the one putting on the snake oil show.

I also have found the content at FU to be less than encouraging, and VERY amateurish in presentation. I will not be renewing. After months of 3 emails a day, now that it's actually open, I have received ZERO e-mails/updates, and barely more than that in useful info.

I predict a very short life for the site.

 

[lamarjones]

Well, I am not taking anything away from futuremans playing. I think I heard him on a kit on BET jams and he sounded good there also.

But it's par for the course on artists BSing, it happens SOOOOO much that I think people take it for granted these days. But rest assured, there are a lot of people who pick up on it. In life it's just not good to BS unless there is a reason you need to be colorful.

That said, I do realize it's all about a character for him. It's just I heard all of this at a festival (not the only time I've heard it from him), and just felt bad for the people listening to him. No knowledge, just nonsense. Well...... 20% knowledge, 80% nonsense.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

The Futureman character is just that. A fabricated role, who's job is to click annoyingly on a pile of electronics ruining what should have been a great band.

The only reason he is a Flecktone is that I believe Victor must have said if he goes I go. There is no other possible explanation for giving that Atari 2600 drum machine space in a gig. Really.

Can you prove other wise?


I would really like

 

[lamarjones]

Can you prove other wise?

Just to make certain, you are not asking to prove he is not from the future, just the other claims that are made, correct?

 

[JAUQO III-X]

Just to make certain, you are not asking to prove he is not from the future, just the other claims that are made, correct?

No I was asking bigfatbass to prove that Futuerman's

job is to click annoyingly on a pile of electronics

And that

The only reason he is a Flecktone is that I believe Victor must have said if he goes I go. There is no other possible explanation for giving that Atari 2600 drum machine space in a gig. Really.

 

[bigfatbass]

No need to prove an opinion.

 

[Chowowbus]

Thanks Hawaii Islander for the link.
I checked it out. It seems to be a great deal.
There is a lot to choose from on music theory in the form of books and internet stuff. I am leaning towards a good old fashioned book at this point just because I am....old fashioned!

 

[svenbass]

Did it ever occur that some artists just don't want to give up all the info or give up info so easily from what they have worked so hard to gain and establish? For it to then become watered down and it's meaning and integrity then loses it's true value.

And no I'm not being sarcastic.

I can totally respect that, though and through.

I would say that if one chooses to present their art/approach/ideas in a seminar or class they need to come to the level of the folks who are interested and hungry to learn. Give me some good practical information! If I can catch what's going on that's great, if not that's cool too, but at least give me a chance to see into your world using the the common language of music. It goes back to whether one is a good teacher, no matter how much of a genius they are.

Let's not bash on Futureman please, this thread is about FU and hopefully a discussion that will in some way help Bootsy & Co deliver their message effectively!

 

[dvh]

I honestly believe that you can get more from youtube than any online school when it comes to technique. Theory and musical knowledge would come better with an actual teacher but technique, feel, can be developed through imitation and repetition. That's how I did it and while it could be better, I didn't have to pay a cent.

I agree entirely. Add: learn from this site and other (free) web music how-to sites; listen - really listen - to music that inspires you and you want to learn; and YES, play with others often...

 

[JimmyM]

believe it or not, bela loves loves loves futureman's drumitar. i do too. but he can get on a regular drumkit and kick much ass too, and i'm sure if bela wanted it, he would do it.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

believe it or not, bela loves loves loves futureman's drumitar. i do too. but he can get on a regular drumkit and kick much ass too, and i'm sure if bela wanted it, he would do it.

You are correct so many times over Jimmy.