The Three T's of Music

By Jim Grantham

An interesting and instructive way to understand the experience of music is based on observing three different dimensions of human communication. We'll refer to these three qualities as the Three T's of music. They are; TONE --the emotional dimension, TIME --the physical dimension, and TUNES --the intellectual dimension. These different aspects are present in all types of music, individually emphasized in varying combinations. Other artistic disciplines refer to the Heart, Head, and Hands trilogy, which is analogous to the Three T's of music. As we learn to improvise music, we'll want to develop our skills within each of these dimensions.

The first dimension Tone, conveys mood and emotion. Tone denotes the whole spectrum of sound quality such as sense of intonation, dynamics, texture, intensity, color, and expressiveness--the depth of feeling a musician puts into the music. Tone production on any given instrument separates the professional from the amateur players. The ability to communicate emotion with even one note is essential to the development of a performing musician.

Even though this aspect will take years for the musician to develop deeply, it immediately communicates to even the most casual of listeners. This dimension involves the "right" or intuitive side of the brain--the non-verbal or "hearing" essential to the musical arts. Vocalists often exemplify this aspect to a great degree.

The second dimension Time , the rhymic sense, is felt through our material bodies. Time refers to all aspects of the rhythmic energy and pulse-- our sense of "groove", meter, tempo, rhythmic styles (i.e., swing, rock, etc.), articulation, and sense of melodic phrasing. Dance music of all kinds relies on this physical aspect of musical communication to a high degree. Mastering the dimension of time is an indispensable necessity for all performing musicians.

While mistakes with notes or intonation may not be readily noticed, mistakes with time are usually very conspicuous. We all, well most of us, intuitively respond to rhythm. This dimension may be the most basic and important element of music and accounts for the drums being the oldest form of instruments.

Time also seems to involve the "right" side of the brain as well as the actual motor skills of playing an instrument. Like Tone , the finer points of Time are developed over many years, although it is a quality immediately perceived by listeners of all degrees of musical sophistication.

This third dimension is the mental or intellectual component of musical communication. Tunes refers to the organization of pitches, chords, scales, harmony, structure, form, repertoire, style, interpretation, composition--all the more theoretical elements of music.

Composers and arrangers most exemplify this quality. It is usually appreciated by the more musically aware listener. This dimension encompasses the type of material typically studied by the music student and involves the thinking or "left" side of the brain.

A complete musician communicates through the mastery and integration of each of these basic dimensions--emotional, physical and mental. Development of the performance skills Tone and Time , take much attention and practice. These suble qualities are often the most important in music precisely because they involve communication at the non-verbal levels. Tunes, on the other hand, can be viewed as the theoretical and conceptual framework in which the player must express these other qualities.

A common problem facing all students of musical improvisation is the integration of the "left" (thinking) and "right" (hearing) sides of the brain. Like oil and water, we tend to operate on one side or the other. Through regular and focused practice however, it is possible to gain the necessary ability to use both sides simultaneously. What makes the incredible prowess of top musicians possible is their ability to be aware of and handle all these factors simultaneously as the music unfolds. Learning to improvise is really a fascinating exercise in overall mind and body development.

Different styles of music can be understood more easily by using the concept of the Three T's. Rock, for instance, could be seen to be primarily rhythmic in nature and communicates at the Time or body level. Blues might be seen to be primarily Tone or emotional in nature.

Jazz or classical music could be viewed as emphasizing Tunes, or the intellectual aspect of musical communication.

Each style of music succeeds by communicating well through its primary dimension. This perspective helps us understand the different roles music plays in our life and can help us appreciate (and play) all styles of music with insight and empathy.

Obviously there is no clear separation of these three qualities in good music, and the best performers of any style show a high level of mastery of all Three T's. Think about your favorite musicians and how and what they communicate to you.

When practicing to improve your musical skills, you will benefit by being aware of the Three T's, and insuring that each aspect is being given attention. It is not just what you play, but how you play it that counts. The JAZZMASTER WORKOUT Improvisation Practice Method is one approach designed to develop and integrate all Three T's into a unified method.