In life, things explain other things in amazing ways. For instance, in any building, there is a foundation, which is the defining factor of how strong the building will be and also determines how high the building can go. Deep foundations can support tall structures, while one-storied buildings or bungalows don’t need foundations that are so deep.
In music, there are foundations too. They determine the quality of music that will be produced by a given musician. Sure, there are people that have learnt music by ear, and others that have become so good at it. However, it is music theory that will enable you to explore what other musicians have done and even learn new skills while at it.
The following post describes what music theory is and the benefits of learning it:
What is music theory?
To be simple about it, it is the study of how people can express music. It defines the guidelines and rules that will give anyone an understanding of the different ways that you may express feelings through sound. It teaches the foundation of knowing how to feel music on an emotional level and will serve as a way to know how you can make other people have the same emotions as well.
For many reasons, learning music theory is an advantage not only with those who major in music but also to people who are interested in music and who have got a talent for music. Specific benefits of knowing all about music theory are the following:
It will expand your musical horizons. Music encompasses a wide scope and it will be such a waste to learn only a fraction of it. You will have insight about how music works by being able to read how notes and rhythms go together when placed in a composition. Music theory will let you discover the whole world of music with no regards for language differences and genres and you get to enjoy it even more. Via ICMP
As in sports, there are rules that govern how the musical activities should be conducted. Music theory gives the guidelines that should be followed if a person is to be successful in pursuing musical excellence. Many people, however, do not appreciate the importance of music theory and will prefer to skip it altogether, but that is not a wise decision.
If your child is getting started on an instrument, would you advise them to learn by ear? Probably this will help to end the debate on whether music theory is important. Beginners need the best there is if they are to become as excellent as possible, and your children are no exception. The following post explains more on this:
Three Reasons Why Music Theory is Important for Children
- It Helps Children Understand How Music Works
Music theory helps children understand how a piece of music works. When learning music, kids may be curious about how each note was chosen, or why a song sounds the way it does. Music theory can help musicians see the thought process of the composer, and understand how the composer would like a certain piece to be played.
Children can also use music theory to understand which notes work well together. An understanding of intervals, scales, and keys will help children see why notes are placed together, or why some keys require sharps and flats. Via Lifehack
Encouraging your children to learn music theory is giving them the wings to fly several years back to enjoy the music composed then, and also fly into their future as composers and musicians. As described in the post above, music theory opens a world of opportunities for your children to play music from all over the world. It will give them an adventure that they will always be able to take part in.
In addition to gaining a firm foundation in playing their instruments, children also get to understand and play other instruments that they develop an interest in as they grow. Music theory not only gives them a firm place to stand on, it also enhances their performance. The following post explains this more:
I have heard many students and musicians complain about wasting time on academic music disciplines. They often do not see the importance of music theory, and indeed, most of the time its relevance to musicians is not made clear enough to them. Moreover, there often seems to be a battle taking place between the head and the heart; people will say something along the lines of: ‘I want to play from my heart, not pollute my musicality with this dry academic approach.’
I do believe in natural and inspired playing from the heart – but what are ‘naturalness’ and ‘inspiration’? I believe them to be gifts to a musician that pop up from their subconscious during playing. But they have to be planted as seeds beforehand. Inspiration begins as knowledge or experience in some form, and later (after some subconscious digestion) it becomes natural enough to be used by the ‘heart’. Music theory has always been formulated after its principles have been put into use by composers – except for twelve-tone music, where the theory came first (need I say more?). Via The Strad
Are you convinced? Invest in music theory and see a world of opportunities open before you or your loved ones.
Featured Image: Image Credit
I liked a @YouTube video https://t.co/NMKlnQPNYB Ask The Busker ~ Music Theory ~ Guitar Major Scale Formula
— Sharon Novak (@SharonNovak5) August 31, 2016
Music theory, explained with the help of Oreos: https://t.co/xwysfPDsoa
— Classic FM (@ClassicFM) September 7, 2016
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Music theory for a new century
So now — continuing about changes in the conservatory curriculum — some thoughts about how to teach music history and theory.
And remember that I’m offering free consulting sessions to anyone who’d like to talk about these issues. I can help! Contact me.
I might note to start that there might be classes on what’s happening now. What’s the state of classical music? What are the problems in the field, how are things changing? And why — in language we could use with nonbelievers — is classical music worth saving? Via Arts Journal
Importance of Learning Musical Theory with Playing Piano
Musical theory is not something new but it has been there for long. When piano learning and compositions were enjoying peak popularity during the 18th and 19th century, even then musical theory was taught to pianists and composers that enabled them to understand structure and operation of music. This in turn guides them in composing pieces of music with combination of different components and effects. Notations, letters, diagrams, chords and other symbols that a layman may not be able to understand, musical theory gives him complete knowledge of these and many other concepts in learning to play piano. A pianist should have complete knowledge of these symbols and signs in order to better understand, play or compose melodies, rhythm and tones with the use of piano. Via Best Digital Piano Guides
Is Music Theory Important To Learn?
Why Music Theory Is An Important Part of Music Lessons
You may have been wondering why exactly music theory is so important. After all, you are playing pieces of music, so isn’t that what you were wanting to do in the first place? So why should you have to bother with learning music theory?
Helps you learn faster!
Here’s something that you would agree is a big plus. While you’re taking your time doing your weekly assignments in your theory book, you are broadening your musical knowledge. All of a sudden in that piece of music you’re learning they aren’t just random notes splattered about that you have to read carefully. You begin to see patterns of scales and chords that instead of being separate notes they are lumped together in your head as one thing. Via Tammies Music Studio
