Music theory is the study of why chords sound the way they do and how to build them, what makes melody so melodic, why different modes give different feelings, and much more. Now music theory for pianists has always been an integral part of the study of the instrument. However, today's fast paced world with its pop music, instant gratification, and learning everything (not just piano and not just music) "by ear" has made many piano students and even some instructors question whether there is really any value in music theory.
Most people find that theory does not apply to them, as it is too complex and makes no sense. Music is supposed to be entertaining and enjoyable not full of analysis and if you can play and perform your piano very well that is all the matters, according to many musicians. Music theory encompasses so much knowledge about how music sounds, it is a great way to add to your arsenal of knowledge as a pianist.
Most musicians need theory to help them with ear training. For example, if you have perfect pitch, knowledge of theory is needed to help with relative pitch and the structure of melody and harmony so you can compose or improvise music with skill. Even if you can read music adequately doesn't mean you can compose a great symphony or give the understanding to analyze a great piece of music.
Have you ever heard someone reading aloud with no feeling, no sense of when to emphasize, no "flow"? But they obviously knew how to speak the words and how to read to be able to read aloud. They sound so bad because they lack a depth of understanding of what they are actually reading.
Even if they know the meanings of all or most of the words, the true meaning and all of the mental and emotional subtleties contained in the content are going over their head. They would do so much better if they actually knew what they were reading about. It's the same with a musician.
Even if you have been born with perfect pitch or have the knack to perform music, with theory you will have the knowledge you need to understand why music sounds the way it does. Music theory is a basic skill that most people are required to learn in college level classes. A music major should know how music is put together in order to understand how to perform or compose music. - 16003
Most people find that theory does not apply to them, as it is too complex and makes no sense. Music is supposed to be entertaining and enjoyable not full of analysis and if you can play and perform your piano very well that is all the matters, according to many musicians. Music theory encompasses so much knowledge about how music sounds, it is a great way to add to your arsenal of knowledge as a pianist.
Most musicians need theory to help them with ear training. For example, if you have perfect pitch, knowledge of theory is needed to help with relative pitch and the structure of melody and harmony so you can compose or improvise music with skill. Even if you can read music adequately doesn't mean you can compose a great symphony or give the understanding to analyze a great piece of music.
Have you ever heard someone reading aloud with no feeling, no sense of when to emphasize, no "flow"? But they obviously knew how to speak the words and how to read to be able to read aloud. They sound so bad because they lack a depth of understanding of what they are actually reading.
Even if they know the meanings of all or most of the words, the true meaning and all of the mental and emotional subtleties contained in the content are going over their head. They would do so much better if they actually knew what they were reading about. It's the same with a musician.
Even if you have been born with perfect pitch or have the knack to perform music, with theory you will have the knowledge you need to understand why music sounds the way it does. Music theory is a basic skill that most people are required to learn in college level classes. A music major should know how music is put together in order to understand how to perform or compose music. - 16003
About the Author:
Georgia Reader reports on for PlayPianoGuide.com, which is a website that reports on the latest and most effective piano courses currently online. Music theory is necessary for piano students to learn as well as learning the notes and how to play the instrument.
