Start / Jazz Guitar Insights / To transcribe or not to transcribe ep 15

To Transcribe or Not To Transcribe? (Ep. 15)

13 min • 27 september 2024

Transcription—an essential tool for jazz musicians, but is it the only way to learn? In this episode, I dive deep into the debate around transcribing, without offering a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, I encourage you to think about the process differently and reflect on the purpose of transcription in your own musical journey.

I’ll discuss:

The importance of broadening your perspective on what it means to transcribe
The usefulness of transcription and how to maximize its benefits
Thinking beyond simply copying notes—focusing on the "how" and thought process behind an artist's choices
Alternatives to traditional transcription and how to integrate them into your learning
The balance between transcribing, listening, and discovering your own voice as a musician

By the end, you'll have a more nuanced understanding of what transcription can offer, and you'll be equipped to decide if (and when) it fits into your practice routine.

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