Modes Preface
So far of all the articles in all the books and magazines I can find, there is not one article that, explains modes effectively to the uninitiated. After 12 years of teaching, I have yet to come across one student who has really understood modes, purely by having read about them. There have been some admirable efforts to explain modes over the years in various books and magazine articles, as well as some abysmal attempts mixed in with the good ones.
I've tried several times to write a 'definitive' article on modes, ie: an article that, someone who doesn't understand modes at all, can read, and come away really having grasped, what they are all about. But, I always got into this circular rewrite syndrome. I would write a rough draft, read it and think, no I'll change the way I've explained this...and that means I'll have to change the way I've explained this too... Then reread it again and end up doing the same again and again.
This time was no different. I've come to the conclusion that it isn't possible to write the 'definitive modes' article.
The frustrating thing is, that its very easy to teach modes in person, give me a couple of hours with someone... practically anyone, and I'll get them to understand what modes are and what they are really all about. In person, you can judge the student's reaction to what you say, and think...OK they got that but, they didn't get this bit, they think they have this other bit, but I'll bet they haven't quite. From this, you can pick and tailor the way you explain and reexplain things, individually for each person.
Trying to do it on paper real or virtual for a mass audience... well...as I said, I haven't seen it done successfully yet. If you already understand modes and you read one of these articles, you think; Oh yeh, I understand that...I know that. But if you don't understand modes, you are either left none the wiser, or worse; left thinking you understand them and how simple they are, what's all the fuss about etc...when actually you haven't really got the crux of it.
So I have made my best attempt here to try and explain, *demystify and put into context the significance of modes. I have no illusions that I have cracked this uncrackable nut, but I'm hoping that I might get through a ray of light here and there.
Mark Wingfield
