Agreeing and Disagreeing with Jack White

Jack White has finally entered the gaming scene! Three songs out of each of Jack's three bands: The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather were released to RockBand and Guitar Hero.

Out of the White Stripes is "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground," "Girl You Have No Faith In Medicine," and "Icky Thump." Out of the Raconteurs is "Many Shades of Black," "Steady As She Goes," and "Salute Your Solution." From The Dead Weather is "Hang You From the Heavens," "Treat Me Like Your Mother," and "No Hassle Tonight."

Though I find this great news, Jack White does not. In an LA press conference Jack White stated, "It's depressing to have a label come and tell you that [Guitar Hero] is how kids are learning about music and experiencing music," White complained, adding that, "...if you have to be in a videogame to get in front of them, that's a little sad."

This is where I'm a little disappointed in Jack for the very first time in my life! Although a part of me agrees with him that this is how kids are learning about and experiencing music is a little sad rather than getting on real instruments and going to concerts. But Rock Band and Guitar Hero are sometimes the only way kids can do so, and they have a blast doing it! So why not Jack? Why not let kids enjoy learning your music through a video game if that's all they have available to them?

But I highly encourage kids to get out there and learn and experience music whether that means getting into the school band where you are provided with an instrument or buying an old guitar or drum set at a garage sale. As well as saving up your money to buy concert tickets so you can experience live music cause it is truly an amazing experience to listen to and see your favorite bands and artists perform live.

Music is a vital part of my life and has been since I first started piano lessons in the third grade going all the way to achieve the highest level in music theory. The piano started as my main instrument but I also learned to play the flute and oboe. In High School though, I began singing and that became my primary focus from then on to my graduation from college majoring in Vocal Performance. I still play the piano and sing today and I couldn't imagine my life without them, let alone music in itself.

So I agree and disagree with my boy. It is somewhat depressing to think that Rock Band and Guitar Hero may be the only way some kids and adults are learning and experiencing music. I cannot imagine only having a video game to learn and experience music instead of laying my hands on a real instrument, let alone reading music; though I know many musicians actually cannot read music. That is another big reason I adore Jack so much. He writes and co-writes his own stuff as well as producing some and even directing his own music videos.

But you do not have to have that kind of talent to learn. Sure it's gonna be hard at first and frustrating to some, but you gotta keep at it. You will learn it and trust me, you'll feel so great for having accomplished a real instrument and you'll have a blast doing it. There is a plethora of music out there from easy to difficult, from classical to even music from your favorite artist for you to learn and play. So don't be afraid or intimidated because it's not the plastic instrument you play on in your video game and read colored lines on the screen.

So join the school band or choir and sign up for music classes and you'll see what Jack means. Bottom line for me, YES! have fun on your video games but there really is no substitute for the real thing.