The composition thread that's been meandering through the posts recently
has prompted me to add my bits: RE:

pete moss wrote:
> 
> i would say that as a general rule, it is good to know as much as possible
> about anything.
...
> but even a little knowledege is better than none.  as far as math goes 
> one doesnt necessarily need to know what one is doing for their work. (look
> at congress for example)  twiddling knobs can be very effective even if you
> dont know what the knobs are actually doing.  in fact some of my 

I tend to disagree with the "knowing" here.  It's more useful to
seperate knowledge of mathematical expressions from the actual personal
perception of music.

Sure math might provide a primitive language (some argue it is the Prime
Language of God) but don't forget music is about human perception and
what baggage that entails.

"Twiddling knobs" happens at the mathematical level too!  Just because
you can express a 'sound' with formulae doesn't mean you can hear it -
so there's trial-and-error here too!

I like to think making sounds is liking preparing a palette of colours. 
Composing is stretching the canvas (time) and applying the colours to
have an effect on the viewer/listener.

Let's not forget the listener ;0)

!MAtthew Armour