Music theory is easy -- and it's fun!

[JoeCharter]

I've noticed how a lot of threads on theory often turn sour because we each have a different perception of what theory is and what it brings to the table.

So I did my homework and found the following from Boretz (1995) on Wikipedia:

Broadly, music theory may include any statement, belief, or conception of or about music.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_theory#cite_note-1

I hope you're all as excited as I am now that everyone can be known (or unknown) as a music theorist!

Here's some of my own examples of theory:

a) I always go to the bathroom before a recital because I think the music is much more enjoyable and flows better uninterrupted.

b) DELETED
c) I like to play the C chord with a pick because the C chord is just below the D chord and it makes me angry. I think I can express anger better with a pick so that's why I use a heavy pick to really convey my deep inner soulful thoughts.

Give theory a try! Anyone can do it!

[mc1]

my wife often picks up and organizes my guitar mags if i leave them laying around. she also can tell the difference between my acoustic and electric guitars. the really sad thing is she doesn't feel that she is a music theorist.

when i was a kid, we had a dog that would bark whenever we sang, "happy birthday". the dog probably considered itself more of a critic than theorist.

[MICHAEL MYERS]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

I've noticed how a lot of threads on theory often turn sour because we each have a different perception of what theory is and what it brings to the table.

So I did my homework and found the following from Boretz (1995) on Wikipedia:

Broadly, music theory may include any statement, belief, or conception of or about music.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_theory#cite_note-1

I hope you're all as excited as I am now that everyone can be known (or unknown) as a music theorist!

Here's some of my own examples of theory:

a) I always go to the bathroom before a recital because I think the music is much more enjoyable and flows better uninterrupted.

b) DELETED

c) I like to play the C chord with a pick because the C chord is just below the D chord and it makes me angry. I think I can express anger better with a pick so that's why I use a heavy pick to really convey my deep inner soulful thoughts.


Give theory a try! Anyone can do it!

Hahaha. Brilliant.

[oldhippiegal]

As a child, I taught my dog to play piano. (admittedly, not what I'd call "well") So I'll theorize many animals can play music. They just have different tastes than humans.

[gitardude]

When you place your finger against a tightly stretched steel wire, pull it to one side horizontally, and quickly release it, the wire will vibrate, and if the wire is arranged properly over wood in a particular configuration, a pleasant sound emerges.

[Glen.]

I am a music theorist, because I believe music is nice.

[callouses]

if the music is good, girls scream, people give you lotsa money.
if the music is not good, you sit on a park bench alone.

[Bern]

Originally Posted by callouses

if the music is not good, you sit on a park bench alone.

If you're lucky...

[Spunky]

I Use the Kiss Method

[mc1]

that gene simmons was some musical theorist!

[JoeCharter]

Thanks for the humour, guys.

To those who wonder whether theory is useful to the average musician, the answers here seem to suggest that it depends on what you make of it.

You've got the "over thinkers" -- typically beginners who wonder what an augmented chord is and whether it would help them with their barres. You can tell from their question that they don't get it.

And then you've got the "artists" -- players of various skill levels who will use every possible connection between theory and whatever vague concept comes through their mind to impress the crowd or justify their work.

Both extremes are bad... As with anything in life, a good balance usually works best.

[ombudsman]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

And then you've got the "artists" -- players of various skill levels who will use every possible connection between theory and whatever vague concept comes through their mind to impress the crowd or justify their work.

Both extremes are bad... As with anything in life, a good balance usually works best.

I don't really think it's extreme, for a person to have some dubious rationale as to why they or their work are special and awesome. (It can be extremely annoying, but it's also extremely common, and therefore not extreme.)

What that rationale is, varies according to that person's style and values, but knowledge is not a prerequisite for pretension. So the person that knows some stuff might have a complicated story, and the person who knows a lot less can have a story that speaks to their anti intellectual values. But it's still the same basic thing.

What each person praises or criticizes has everything to do with what they can do themselves; it outlines the set of values they would prefer other people use to judge them.

One guy is talking about chaos theory and fractal composition, and the other guy is talking about being "soulful" and "earthy", "genuine", "coming from a real place". You know, they're close to the earth. (Like worms.) They have feelings and stuff, and problems just like you, not like those other people with their bad intentions. (Evidently, being close to the earth imbues mind reading abilities. Who knew ?)

[JoeCharter]

Originally Posted by ombudsman

I don't really think it's extreme, for a person to have some dubious rationale as to why they or their work are special and awesome. (It can be extremely annoying, but it's also extremely common, and therefore not extreme.)

What that rationale is, varies according to that person's style and values, but knowledge is not a prerequisite for pretension. So the person that knows some stuff might have a complicated BS story, and the person who knows a lot less can have a story that speaks to their anti intellectual values. But it's still the same basic thing.

What each person praises or criticizes has everything to do with what they can do themselves; it outlines the set of values they would prefer other people use to judge them.

One guy is talking about chaos theory and fractal composition, and the other guy is talking about being "soulful" and "earthy", "genuine", "coming from a real place". You know, they're close to the earth. (Like worms.) They have feelings and stuff, and problems just like you, not like those other people with their bad intentions. (Evidently, being close to the earth imbues mind reading abilities. Who knew ?)

Putting on airs about somehow being more authentic than other people is just as much of a joke as anything else. Maybe it's even a bit worse. You know what people, and experiences, are authentic in this world ? All of them.

I was merely describing theoretical extremes.

We're talking about music theory and the practicing musician.

[ombudsman]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

I was merely describing theoretical extremes. No need to get all personal and bitter about it.

My hypothetical stereotyped people are no more personal than yours !

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

We're talking about music theory and the practicing musician -- not the next miracle to save the world.

I'm not sure what calling out (all) people for subjective self indulgent thinking has to do with miracles and world saving. (Well, it would be miraculous if the we all stopped doing that stuff, but I'm not holding my breath.)

[callouses]

joecharter, i went to your youtube page and checked you out....very beautiful music, you have talent...i enjoyed it. You know, a person can know theory or not, read music or not, the results are what counts. looking fwd to listening to you again!