4 reasons why music theory is important
Do you think music theory is boring and unnecessary? Why do teachers insist on learning music theory? What is the point and what does it bring to our understanding and appreciate of the music we play and listen to? In this post we’ll share 4 reasons why music theory is important and why you should study it!
Improves music reading skills
Reading music is a skill that takes a long time to acquire and master. However, there are certain “shortcuts” we can use to read music faster. These shortcuts are music theory concepts! For instance: intervals, arpeggios, scales, knowing what key one is in, chords and harmony. These elements can all help the musician to make educated guesses, and to anticipate, what the next notes might be. The notes on the page are no longer seen as “individual notes” but they are understood as elements of a larger whole.
Enables creative skills such as composing and improvising
If you have ever wanted to write music, or even to improvise, then music theory is your friend. Which notes go well together? Learn about chords. Which chord progressions sound good? Learn about chord progressions and the circle of fifths. What notes do I need to use? Learn about keys and scales. Which intervals sound harmonious, which are dissonant? How can I go from one key to another? The reason you may be holding yourself back from composing and/or improvising can just about be released with some basic knowledge of music theory (especially keys and chords).
Enriches the interpretation and listening experience of a piece
When you understand music theory, your listening experience evolves. You can hear a piece and recognise what is happening musically. Everything about the music becomes more profound because you can understand how all the elements making up the music (the form, the tonality, the dynamics etc) function to communicate a message. Furthermore, you will become more aware of when an elements takes an unexpected turn. The music will feel more alive and its meaning will be better understood, by understanding the theory behind it.
Creates the connection between written music and sound
The music notational system we use today has been intelligently designed. The fact that we can pick up a piece of music from the 1700’s and play it as the composer would have wanted it to be performed attests to that. When you know music theory, you will see the clear connection between the written notes on the page, and the sound that results.
We hope you found this post thought-provoking and useful! But we want to know … how do you feel about music theory? Did this post make you re-evalute your attitude towards it? What is one music theory concept you might like to learn about first? Let us know in the comments!
