Modern music’s D.I.Y. ethic has created a strange situation where there are many artists without knowledge of music itself. Some feel that their ignorance of things such as how to read music has been help, with Timbaland being an obvious example as he once stated that he did not want to learn in case it hurt his way of producing.

But step back a little and you will see that most artists use an at least rudimentary knowledge of music in order to succeed. Prince has had a long and successful career based on his ability to play many instruments and the undoubted insight it has given him. Taking it away a step to DJs and it is a fact that while many may be able to beat-match if the tracks you are mixing are in opposing keys the result will sound like a catfight. A basic knowledge of notation…