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(kevinthoule/flickr)The Harmony of Amateur Hour
For adults, finding time to learn a musical instrument is tough enough. Finding a forgiving partner can be terrifying. Today on Soundcheck: a reporter and a bestselling detective novelist reveal how they joined "piano parties" and something called The Really Terrible Orchestra. And later: we bite into "Golden Delicious," the latest solo album from former Soul Coughing frontman Mike Doughty. He performs live in our studio.
Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.
Musical Late Bloomers Shed Anxiety
For adults who set out to learn (or re-learn) a musical instrument, private lessons and excruciating recitals are simply not an option. Today, two writers share how they connected with groups of like-minded amateurs. Environmental policy reporter (and pianist) Perri Knize talks about the nationwide network of "piano parties." And bestselling detective novelist (and bassoonist) Alexander McCall Smith takes us inside a Scottish ensemble called The Really Terrible Orchestra.
Our blog: John Schaefer on playing guitar
Piano World's "piano forums" site
Perri Knize's "Grand Obsession" on Amazon
Alexander McCall Smith's "The Miracle at Speedy Motors"
The Really Terrible Orchestra site
Mike Doughty
The '90s alternative group Soul Coughing was a counterpoint to the grunge era, with lyrics inspired by Beat poetry and hip hop rhymes. Frontman Mike Doughty's second solo album, "Golden Delicious," lends that style to songs about the war in Iraq and explorations of '80s culture. He joins us for a live performance.
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Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
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The Ill Effects of Urban Noise
Soundcheck
Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.
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