Discussion Forums > The Lounge
Are You Getting an Arts Degree?
rostheferret:
As a completely self-taught musician, I disagree. I'm sure my friend who makes a living as a professional photographer would also disagree :P Neither of us are 'gifted,' hell I suck ass but I did learn how to sweep pick and how to tap; I did play around with Phrygian scales and practice neo-classical guitar work, and I did that by reading, learning, and then practicing. At the peak of my practicing I was working on combining sweeping with tapping after seeing this - another self taught musician btw - and sweeping across five strings instead of the standard three you normally see. Read a book, watch a video, join a forum; there are a LOT of free available outlets to help you learn a craft.
And I did understand you, I just disagree with the idea that an artist needs a license to make art.
Much of this applies to Nikkoru as well. No, not all arts students treat it like a doss - though of course many of them do, and I agree science doesn't automatically equate to intelligent, but yes, you can actually learn an awful lot of science by simply reading. I taught myself the fundamentals of quantum theory using a bunch of books I borrowed from my old school teacher (I really ought to gives those back...). When doing my thesis I was teaching myself things far and beyond my own syllabus; percolation theory and the specific rheology of polymers (how plastics melt) and I wasn't being taught it. I was teaching myself. The main thing university was giving me was access to these resources; access to papers and scientific journals and millions of pounds worth of lab equipment. You mentioned understanding is assisted by reading, well what's stopping you? Do you need a university professor pointing what to read and telling you to read it? Surely if you were fascinated by the subject then you'd independently study it anyway. When dealing with Art, the end result speaks for itself; it shows your ability right away. I just don't see what an arts course offers you that you couldn't be doing independently anyway.
Nikkoru:
This is where the word "pedagogy" rears its ugly head. Certainly I've done more than a significant amount of individual study, but I also recognize and value the resources that are available to me. Someone who spent those thousands of hours on the subject matter which is required to be an expert, their time, insight, and considerations are invaluable resources. We learn better with someone available to teach us.
I'm don't have an IQ breaking the bank and I'm not going to get everything on my own - on any subject. I can read any book, but it doesn't mean I have the resources to comprehend it, More to the point, having people to discuss the subject matter with, helps immeasurably.
You can learn on your own with endless effort, but there is so much more joy in learning with others, in participating in discussions which stretch your reasoning and imagination. I've had my reality stretched considerably with just a simple question or alternative view on the same material. I am not Diogenes.
Garret02:
Science graduates should appreciate arts graduates more. The more people doing arts degree the less competition there is for certain work positions and it's easier to comfortably slide through the life while putting as little effort as possible.
Nikkoru:
--- Quote from: Garret02 on March 06, 2012, 02:55:49 PM ---Science graduates should appreciate arts graduates more. The more people doing arts degree the less competition there is for certain work positions and it's easier to comfortably slide through the life while putting as little effort as possible.
--- End quote ---
We call that division of labour over in the arts side of things.
SirSkyRider:
--- Quote from: rostheferret on March 06, 2012, 01:58:32 PM ---As a completely self-taught musician, I disagree. I'm sure my friend who makes a living as a professional photographer would also disagree :P Neither of us are 'gifted,' hell I suck ass but I did learn how to sweep pick and how to tap; I did play around with Phrygian scales and practice neo-classical guitar work, and I did that by reading, learning, and then practicing. At the peak of my practicing I was working on combining sweeping with tapping after seeing this - another self taught musician btw - and sweeping across five strings instead of the standard three you normally see. Read a book, watch a video, join a forum; there are a LOT of free available outlets to help you learn a craft.
--- End quote ---
True. BUT: Self-studying takes a fair amount of getting your ass up and doing something. And I believe there are people out there that just need to get their asses kicked by doing something.
--- Quote ---And I did understand you, I just disagree with the idea that an artist needs a license to make art.
--- End quote ---
No, you still do not understand. You need a license to call yourself a "photographer". You do NOT need a license to perform. You can e.g. call yourself a "photographic designer" and open up a business.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version