I have this strange view on learning music theory

Discussion in 'Education' started by Boosire, Oct 20, 2020.

  1. acatnamedharmony

    acatnamedharmony Ultrasonic

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    I know exactly how you feel. I've done fine without any music theory but now that I've been recording with people that know their shit it's helpful to know just as a medium to be able to translate from one player to another.
     
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  2. dkny

    dkny Platinum Record

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    Also, I'm not sure that "I haven't got a clue what I'm doing" is ever a good place to be in any activity.

    (Including - supposedly - running a country...)
     
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  3. Ad Heesive

    Ad Heesive Audiosexual

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    It's really nice to see that this thread of comments is so sane, with the majority pointing out that Music Theory
    is not absolutely essential but definitely does benefit almost everyone that studies it.
    Very few ever regret studying it. Almost all end up loving it.

    I'd like to add one important point for anyone starting that journey.

    There is a really big difference between...
    - Music Theory
    (the ideas about what music is made of, how it works, etc)
    - Music Notation (sheet music, symbols on a page that let you read music)

    These two things are related but you really should think about them separately...
    - You can learn a huge amount about Music Theory without ever learning to read sheet music, and this IS far more interesting,
    and more useful, than Music Notation
    - Some people find learning to read sheet music really hard, so learning this skill at the same time as learning music theory ideas
    can be too overwhelming. It can actually get in the way of learning the theory instead of helping.
    - Some schools stupidly teach reading sheet music (like rote learning) without getting into the useful interesting theory,
    and they wonder why kids get bored.

    So, although learning to read sheet music (music notation) is also genuinely useful, (and for some essential)
    you might be better off putting that off for a while and first explore Music Theory without Music Notation.

    I recommend the web site below, specifically because...
    - It enables you to explore Music Theory without Music Notation
    - It does also provide lessons on Music Notation, for when you're ready for that.
    https://www.daveconservatoire.org/
     
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  4. Boosire

    Boosire Producer

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    Thank you everyone, it has been an enlightening thread. Gave me the right kind of curiosity, not the one that i will forget about by the time i eat breakfast tomorrow, i mean the kind that sticks. Cheers
     
  5. KungPaoFist

    KungPaoFist Audiosexual

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    Well, I've been discovering the beauty of a little bit more music theory knowledge and seeing 180 now. I don't think people believe it's not necessary, its just hard.
     
  6. Epcot

    Epcot Guest

    Obtaining the knowledge of music theory isn't easy, but not difficult too.

    The question is, what do you want to do with it after you learn it? Because the more you understand it, the more you realize that you can't find applications for it.

    When you try to apply its principles, the music becomes Byzantine and most listeners aren't very interested in listening to involved music. Then you will be the only listener of your own music.

    Unless the market managers resign and other people take its charge.
     
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  7. Olymoon

    Olymoon Moderator

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    Also, think that you dont have to learn all music theory. Knowing chords and how they are created, and scales, can go a long way, without entering into the composition and structure theory.
     
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  8. Futurewine

    Futurewine Audiosexual

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    The only resulting good you will get from learning music theory is like learning computer programming language..

    You don't need to learn computer programming language to use computer software.. but when you do.. it will take you like from 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' to 'Livin' On a Prayer' ... soemthing like that.. like something like me and reaper.. *attach pic just for example..* :shalom: .. something like that..

    #tadaaguyss #withcsharpbaby.. ;*
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG] :hillbilly:#reapernoob #tinkering :lmao:
     
  9. KungPaoFist

    KungPaoFist Audiosexual

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    Believe me I'm right there with you, that's why I said only a little bit. I will always keep pushing to learn more but learning enough to give plenty of options is the goal for the moment. Finally when I'm able to relax and make more complex styles of music I should have gained the knowledge to do so by then.
     
  10. Lois Lane

    Lois Lane Audiosexual

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    Theory shouldn't dictate to your innate ability to create melody, but will rather inform and possibly augment your palette in how they are voiced in the context of the feeling you create imbedding them in chords and so in the songs that you craft.
     
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