I have been seeing a lot of social media posts dogging on music theory. As someone who has been performing professionally and teaching music for over 25 years, I wanted to chime in and answer the question: Who needs music theory?
I'm going to answer your most commonly asked questions, including:
What is music theory?
Is it possible to learn to play music without learning music theory?
What theory concepts do I need to learn?
How long does it take to learn music theory?
I know lots of people think that music theory is a big, dusty book taught by a serious professor with a white goatee. Maybe you have taken a music theory course before and it was super challenging and didn’t feel like it had anything to do with actual music.
I am so tired of seeing posts like this, SMH...
What is music theory??
Let’s ask a simple question first: What is music theory
Music theory is literacy. Understanding music theory means you understand what is happening in the music so you can better play it, notate it and write it.
Music theory includes topics like knowing how to construct chords, understanding intervals and using a tool like the circle of fifths. This may include reading music notation, reading rhythms, knowing key signatures and having some context for music styles.
I also group ear training into the category of music theory. We train our ears to “hear” the theory, hearing intervals and chord qualities.
Music theory means we can quantify and codify the music that we make, which makes it easier to learn songs, to change keys, to write music and to have a collective understanding with other musicians.
Music theory helps us to communicate better with other musicians, which will help you to enjoy playing with other musicians, cut back on rehearsal time
Music theory is not just for classical or professional musicians: Avocational (non-professional) musicians also need music theory skills. This will help you to master your instrument better, learn songs quicker and retain them better and have more control over the music you make.
Is it possible to learn to play music without learning music theory?
Plenty of people have learned to play an instrument or sing without any knowledge of music theory. There are tons of legendary musicians out there who can’t read music, but they still know music theory!
I have seen a lot of videos that teach people to play piano by lighting up the keys to show you what notes to play. The problem of learning this way means you don’t really understand how the music is constructed. This makes it really hard to retain the music, since they are just memorizing patterns.
Music theory is not all or nothing thing - you don’t have to have years of experience for it to be useful to you!
Whatever you do, you want to make sure you have some handle of what makes music tick. Not only is it useful, but it's actually really fun to learn.
What theory concepts do I need to learn?
An interval is the distance between two notes. Learning how to recognize, sing and play different intervals will help you with harmony, melody and learning songs.
You can use your knowledge of intervals help you to build the scales, which is the linear pitch material used to make melodies.
Chords, especially major and minor triads are important for musicians of any style to learn. Once you can play chords, you can pretty much play any song in any style.
Key signatures (knowing what sharps and flats are in each key) will help you to play more fluidly on your instrument and will help you to better understand harmony.
Time signatures (how many beats are in the bar) will help you to get a better grasp of timing and rhythm.
The Circle of 5ths is a concept that every musician to be familiar with, since it ties so many of these other concepts together. Get a free download of the Circle of 5ths here.
How can I learn music theory?
There are so many great resources you can use and they don't have to cost a fortune!
There are tons of online options, including the Music Theory course inside The Versatile Musician membership.
There are tons of free resources you can find on YouTube and other online programs.
Music Theory. net is one that people seem to really enjoy.
If you prefer direct help, you can find a private teacher who specializes in teaching theory and musicianship skills.
How long does it take to learn music theory?
The basic concepts that I have discussed in this article wouldn’t take you very long to learn and understand. You would want to learn music theory concepts enough to understand them and then take time to assimilate them into your playing.
I hope this article and video was helpful in giving you more insight into music theory and why it is so important.
Don’t be afraid of music theory! Anyone can learn it - I know, because I have taught hundreds of people!
Want to dip your toe into some more music theory topics? Check out
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Play Major and Minor Chords on Piano