Stewart wrote: > [BIG SNIP]
> As you know from previous messages, I believe lute players should be > familiar with both staff notation and tablature. The question is, > which > should a beginner learn first? That's the $64,000 question. :-) Stewart, as usual you make some very good points. I agree that it is important for a lutenist, or any musician for that matter, to be familiar with both standard notation and whatever other system is relevant to their particular instrument. I play with a consort and and tend to read off standard notation for the continuo I provide. For solo pieces, or accompaniment to vocalists I'll play off tablature. As to which one to learn first...I don't have an answer. I can say, however, that I've acquired two students, one of them a new musician, and the other a guitarist, neither of whom read standard notation. I am teaching them tablature as I teach them the lute, but I will encourage both to learn standard notation. Regards, Craig
