Guitar Hero/Rock Band vs. the Real Deal

Why would you pay out the butt for Guitar Hero and/or Rock Band when you could, with that same amount of money, start learning how to play that instrument (including your voice) for real?

Where I live, you can get lessons in voice, drums, and guitar for anywhere from thirty to fifty bucks per session. Most music stores in my area package lessons and instrument rental or purchase fees, so you get a pretty decent deal if you need to buy whatever you want to play, then learn how to play the thing.

If you don't want to go that route, you can buy a basic, used instrument that's still in good condition and add a "how to" DVD to your purchase. You probably already have the DVD player, so you can bring your stuff home, pop in the disc, and start learning.

And for the even-cheaper route, you can search YouTube. Plenty of musicians of all skill levels have uploaded lessons, instructional videos and other helpful files for your amusement and/or edification.

I can see how the console games are fun for some people. I know quite a few guys and gals who never showed any interest in learning even the first thing about music, but happily play air guitar or drums whenever their favorite songs are playing. These video games are, in many ways, the high-tech version of the same thing.

So, I can see why some people would pick up these titles. If you're only into pretending to play, then go for it. Rock out all you want - have some fun when it's too cold to go outside, or when you don't have to be at work or school.

Even though I do understand that, I still encourage people to consider learning to play "for real." I'm not against the games, but music opens up so many mental doors for us. Learning how to make music, and then actually doing it, stimulates our brains and encourages the creative parts of our gray matter. I think that, if you show any interest in music, you should give that a try. Who knows? One of the game makers could feature your song in one of their sequels.