subject: Take Music Theory Lessons to be a Better Musician [print this page] Take Music Theory Lessons to be a Better Musician
To take up, or not to take up music theory lessons, that is the question.
It has always been an issue for musicians whether they should study music theory or just continue doing their thing without them bothering to.
Others may say that music theory helps in the holistic growth of a musician, that there is a broader scope of knowledge bound to be discovered when one studies it, while others may find it too constricting and too wasteful when it comes to their freedom of expression and their time.
Here's the thing: even if you're not really a hardcore instrumentalist/singer/performer/composer/conductor, you will still find it beneficial to know even part of the theories behind this hobby/passion of yours. In fact, even if you're just a casual listener, you will find it amusing to have a background on music and its behavior.
First, let us define what music theory is. Simply stated, it's the study of how music works. So it goes without saying that all the things you associate with music--melody, harmony, rhythm, form, structure, texture, etc.--are thoroughly discussed in music theory lessons. It then follows that when you study music theory, you get a deeper understanding of music at the same time it allows you to have your own interpretation of its many facets.
This is where the musician is immensely benefited. If he/she is learned in his/her field, he/she will not just be regarded as a legit musician but will also be respected as an artist. Of course, who would not appreciate someone who knows his/her thing like the back of his/her hand? You want doctors who know medicine, engineers who know engineering, journalists who know journalism, lawyers who know the law. Just the same, wouldn't you want your musician to know music?
Study on music theory gives importance to a systematic way of composing rather than just hitting and/or missing. There is a formula to all the undertakings, be it creating a tune, writing a song, or pulling off a great performance. The insights a musician learns from these lessons will serve as his/her tools in further enriching and propagating his/her craft.
But then music theory should not be the be all and end all of musicianship. Of course, you need to put into practice what you reap from your music theory lessons. The lessons are just there guide you in your musical endeavors. They are not a safety net that will catch you when you start acting like a lousy musician.
But wait! Will the theories hinder my musical liberty since they sometimes post limitations as I make music? Not really. They may provide guidelines, but you should not think of them as restrictions. They are but tips to help you become a more effective artist. From time to time, you can break them. However, you must remember that in order to break rules, you must first know them. So before experimenting on your sound, it will help if you know how to make them first, then eventually bend and break them.
Ultimately, what music theory lessons can provide you is reinforcement for your initial knowledge of the subject. So if you want to be a better musician, studying the theories is a must for you.
