Chapter 45
This song is excellent, and your voice is great, but your guitar skills are holding you back. It makes your voice follow along with the guitar, when it could have been a 90 out of 100.
Saying this, Guan Mingchen took the guitar from his arms and casually strummed it a few times. It sounded the same as before, but it immediately stirred his emotions, completely independent of singing.
Xu Lin keenly felt a huge gap, but he could also anticipate it. After all, his guitar skills were so basic that even the system didnt give him a level 1, making him truly an amateur.
My guitar skills are indeed amateurish, but I feel this song needs accompaniment.
Arrangement is also part of the composition, but you dont compose or arrange, do you?
To be honest, I cant even read music notes, let alone create scores. I only know how to sing my lyrics in a melody I like.
But thats talent. Guan Mingchen squinted her eyes, and her sharp gaze softened slightly.
I never expected to encounter two people with such natural talent, yet knowing nothing at the same time.
She glanced at Chu Qingchan, who also smiled helplessly. It seemed she was also a novice, relying solely on enthusiasm to seek Teacher Guans guidance.
But this is a good thing! Guan Mingchen smiled and then sat down, crossing her legs in a beautiful manner.
A blank canvas is easy to shape without any bad habits or wrong paths. However, it also means lacking fundamentals, so youll need to focus on learning the basics.
I will do my best. Chu Qingchan knew she had passed this test, but Xu Lin continued.
Teacher Guan, may I speak frankly?
Go ahead. Guan Mingchen nodded, curious about what this gifted young man would say.
I think Im quite lazy and not that passionate about music. It might be tiresome for you to teach me. Im here this time just to let you know that Chu Qingchans judgement is correct.
Xu Lin, what are you saying? Chu Qingchan shouted upon hearing his words, but Teacher Guan burst into laughter.
Haha! Good, I like honest kids. Over the years, many people have come to me for lessons, each with their own motives.
Some just want to have my name associated with them; some are sent by entertainment companies for a golden touch; and some genuinely want to learn.
But only you, kid, dare to say you dont love music! But the more you say that, the more I feel like I should train you properly.
I still have to attend classes regularly, and I dont have much time. I want to go to college! This is not only my parents expectation but also mine for so many years.
This was his heartfelt confession because he had just crossed over and set himself a goal to accomplish things he hadnt done in his previous life. In his plans, learning music wasnt included. Of course, he didnt hate it that much either, but he could manage to copy songs if asked.
Its okay; you have time on weekends, right?
Yes.
Then come for lessons on weekends.
Just on weekends? Xu Lin didnt expect himself to disrespect the great demon king so much, yet the other party still gave him the choice.
Yeah, but I dont intend to train you to be a singer like Qingchan.
The song you gave to Qingchan and the one you just sang both clearly show your talent in composition, so Ill start from there.
Can someone who knows absolutely nothing about music become a musician?
Of course, do you think I came from a music academy? I was just self-taught back then, and later I received professional training.
Besides, how do you know that singers understand music? Nowadays, some young ones can only be saved by auto-tuning to the max.
Guan Mingchen stared closely at Xu Lin, as if seeing her past self. It was her luck to encounter two promising talents even in her old age.
So, this afternoon, Ill teach you the first lesson on how to turn your singing into words on paper!
In the following hours, Guan Mingchen gave him a brief explanation of the songwriting and composition process from the beginning, through professional arrangement, recording vocals and instruments, mixing, and so on.
During this time, both Xu Lin and Chu Qingchan occasionally zoned out and were sternly reprimanded by Teacher Guan a few times. Xu Lin also recalled his involuntary fear of teachers back in elementary school.
Lets call it a day here. Its already 7 oclock. Let me treat you to dinner.
No need to trouble you, teacher. Well go back and eat. Uncle and Auntie are waiting. Chu Qingchan quickly declined politely.
Alright, Xu Lin, the songs you sang for me this afternoon are all very suitable for Qingchan. I have to admire your talent. I didnt reach this level back in my days.
Its also the result of my long-term accumulation. It may take some time for me to come up with new songs again, probably until inspiration strikes again.
He couldnt possibly say that he just copied Chu Qingchans first album. He still remembered some other songs, but not many. If one day the system refreshes something to improve memory, he might be able to write a few more songs. For now, these are enough for Chu Qingchan to take the first step.
Qingchan, be diligent these days and come to me. Ill train you well and try to adjust your state before December.
Teacher, whats happening next year?
Well, the reason why the music company Wanhua has been able to maintain its top position for a long time is not just because of me, but also because of Wanhuas 7 stars.
Although the name sounds a bit old-fashioned, this title has been around since the founding of Wanhua. Seven talented singers have kept Wanhua vibrant all these years.
But ten years ago, Du Longyi left Wanhua and joined Jia Ning. Seven years ago, Zhou and He retired, and last year, Jin Yaosheng also retired. Now, only three of them are left.
Of course, thats not the most important thing. The crucial issue is that Wanhua has been stagnant for too long. Its a new era now. Its not the era of physical records anymore. We must use the internet, utilise traffic, and undergo a complete transformation!
Even an old person like me, whos almost 60, knows this, but they are reluctant to spend money on it. Theyll only move when all the old folks retire.
But luckily, theyre not entirely clueless. Theyve recently started negotiating with several major platforms. However, a problem has arisen: there are hardly any young, talented singers that the company can engage.
The current trend among young people definitely doesnt allow for the three old veterans to take the stage. Recently, they contacted me, complaining that they dont know any good young talents.
They are trying hard and planning to cooperate with TV stations to create a singing competition program. This serves two purposes: firstly, to promote the companys brand and attract talented newcomers; secondly, through the programme, to directly select a few outstanding singers.
Then, theyll sign them internally and capitalise on the programmes effects to promote them. After the programme airs, they can use these singers as sharp weapons to penetrate the market.
Are you suggesting that I go on this programme and then sign with Wanhua? Chu Qingchan listened carefully and seemed to grasp the idea.
Well, not exactly signing with Wanhua, but you work hard to achieve good results, and Ill try to secure resources from Wanhua. I intend to use my connections to help you rise quickly.
Teacher, Ive only just begun.
Although she was excited, she suppressed her emotions and looked at her teacher with gratitude.
Im not a saint either. This isnt just for you; its also for myself. I want them to know that I, Guan Mingchen, even in retirement, produce top disciples!
Her eyes gleamed with confidence, and then she suddenly turned her head to look at Xu Lin, who was watching the play.
Oh, and Xu Lin, make sure youre free to come along.
Huh? What does that have to do with me?
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