This is a question that musicians often ask, especially if they have not learned music theory. There are many opinions. Musicians are more likely to avoid learning music theory when they know that improving their musical skills with any instrument they choose is possible. Some people even believe that music theory can be harmful to you. While music is an art form, musicians feel it can limit your musically expressing yourself. We will get into this more later. But let us answer the question that you came here to ask.
What is Music Theory?
Music Theory can be described as the language of music. The grammatical structures and rules create the musical sounds we hear even more. You can think of it as the rules for music. It is important to know the rules to be able to play correctly. You won’t be able to understand the rules if you don’t. It will also make it difficult to enjoy the sport/game you are participating in or just watching.
The Language of Music
Children can learn to speak a language fluently even without studying it. It is learned by being around it, hearing and listening to other people talk, and then speaking it. Through this experience, they are learning to speak a particular language. It’s amazing to think that we learn how to speak our native language before learning any grammatical rules. It’s natural for us.
The real question: When should we learn music theory?
This question will have a different answer for each person. Start with music. This is just like learning a language in childhood. You can listen to it and learn how to play an instrument. This will help you expand your musical vocabulary. We believe it is easier to start with music than the theory.
Music Theory Theory: Benefits
Learn How Music Works
Learning theory can lead to a greater understanding of music’s workings. As we have discussed, music is structured to explain the construction of the sounds and songs we hear. This will also give you a better understanding of the process these musicians and composers use to create their music.
Stronger music Foundations
Understanding Music Theory can help you continue your musical journey as a musician. Music Theory knowledge can help you understand new concepts and ideas. As you become a musician, you’ll have more to draw upon and use as inspiration.
Get to know other musicians.
Learning music theory has another benefit. Being able to communicate with other composers and musicians is a language. You’ll communicate more effectively with your fellow musicians when you collaborate with them. You’ll also be more flexible and adaptable in your playing. This will allow you to make a greater contribution to the group.
This guide will help you become a better songwriter.
Music Theory is a valuable skill that songwriters can use. Writing songs may be easier if you have a good understanding of theory. It won’t take you long to figure out which chords work together to create the sound you want. Instead, you will be able to think concerning the key. Instead of blindly assembling chords, you’ll be able to create songs around the key.
Being able to appreciate music more
The more theory you have, the greater your music appreciation. It is easier to understand the thought processes involved in creating a song you enjoy listening to. You will understand the structure of a song and the musical choices made. You can also use the knowledge to improve your music.
Musicians Believe Learning Music Theory Is Bad For You
It limits your creativity.
Music Theory could limit our creativity as musicians, according to some theories. Instead of expressing ourselves freely through music, we focus more on the technical aspects, rules and structures found in music theory. Music becomes more structured than it is free. Although it may seem like all these rules are very restrictive, they don’t.
It takes too long and is a waste of time.
Some musicians believe that learning Music Theory is a waste of time. As we said, you can develop your musical abilities using an instrument at a respectable level even without knowing Music Theory. Even musicians and artists who have been successful are not familiar with Music Theory. People believe Music Theory can be applied to more important things.
It is not related to the current era of music.
Some people believe Music Theory is not relevant to today’s music. It’s also believed to be outdated and not necessary. However, this is far from reality. It’s easy to learn music today. Many songs can be written by artists and bands who jam in their garage.
Guided vs Experimental Approach
Let’s end our discussion with two ways to learn music.
The Experimental Approach
What would happen if you asked a child aged 4-5 to get down on a piano and create a song? It may be different. The child will experiment with sounds and find sounds that work together. They have no prior knowledge about Music Theory, and they don’t have any influences to help them believe right or wrong. It’s all-natural experimentation and listening for our brains to determine which sounds good or not. Even though they may not understand the details of how it all works, even young children can create a song or tune with a little bit of time.
Guided Approach
This is how we allow ourselves to be guided while learning music by either a teacher or our efforts. Instead of discovering new music through experimentation and learning, it uses a more textbook-like approach. You apply what you’ve learned to your music with a clear understanding of all the details. Because you don’t have to follow every step blindly, this helps you break through the limitations of an experimental approach. Everything has music and meaning. Although this is a great approach, it has its limitations.
The Balance of both Approaches
Experimentation is a part of the musical journey. Don’t be afraid to explore what you have found. Learn the technical details of what you have discovered. Then, try to understand how it works. You will achieve the best results by combining both of these approaches while you learn music. You will be able to express your creativity and learn the technical aspects that music requires.
Last Thoughts
There you have it. Music Theory is well worth the effort, especially if your goal is to become a professional musician. It’s not about when or if you should study it. We hope that you now have a good reason to study Music Theory.