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Ben Tibbetts @BenTibbetts

Age 35, Male

Pianist and composer

Massachusetts, USA

Joined on 9/27/09

www.bentibbetts.net

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wavetro 2022-02-03 15:58:59

Great insights! Thanks for sharing Ben

Quarl 2022-02-03 20:07:03

How much rehearsal did you put into the video? You were very well spoken, I'm sorry this is my first time viewing a video of yours. The studio space looks nice and clean :3

Great work on that OST by the way! Phil Cornwell, that's a neat factoid to tuck into your pocket. It's like a piece of trivia only your best friends will know!

"Hey... you see that cute guy across the bar? That's Ben Tibbetts. He worked on a project with Phil Cornwell. Phil Cornwell voiced Murdoc from the Gorillaz. Who? The Gorillaz, they wrote that song Feel Good Inc? Also, Clint Eastwood... no... the song Clint Eastwood not the actor. It was in that movie...Trolls. A Dreamworks movie? Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrik?"

Loved the commentary on four hands music. I've never had a chance to play a four hands piece... I'll have to drug my fiance if I want to hypnotize him into playing the piano at this point of my life D:

I'll admit that I had to skip around the video to make the time for it but I was happy to get a glimpse into your professional life, lot of respect Ben : ]

BenTibbetts 2022-02-03 20:07:03

Hey thanks very much! I didn’t rehearse the video. I did edit it, though. Glad you enjoyed it! :)

BenedictFogwell 2022-02-04 15:50:20

Your note about playing slowly for recording (then speeding up for playback) is a great idea, I had never thought of this. I recently started taking piano lessons with the main aim of being able to compose music for my games; so this will hopefully come in handy once I feel a biiiit more comfortable with music etc.

Thanks for this, great video!

BenTibbetts 2022-02-04 15:50:20

Awesome! Okay, here are the things I suggest learning with your teacher for maximum relevance to that.

1. Memorize the major and minor triads. Start with "closed position" (all the notes close together). Triads on the piano can always be played in with fingers 5-3-1.
2. Practice playing melodies in the right hand and harmonies in the left hand.
3. Try to play simple video game melodies and harmonies by ear using this approach. Figure out the melody first then throw in occasional harmonies. I started with music from Super Mario World.
4. Learn to and write in "lead sheet" format, which condenses music down to melody and harmony. If you want to write down sketches, this is the best way to do so efficiently. You do not have to write or read sheet music to create video game music. However, laying things out on the page can help you think through and plan your work more meticulously.

All of that takes a long time to do completely 100%. But you can get started with any of those four without a ton of experience. Just start small and be patient with yourself.

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