Musical theory is vital knowledge for anyone wishing to compose music involving more than half a dozen instruments. It is recommended knowledge for anyone wishing to arrange music for more than half a dozen instruments. Anyone who writes music for more than about half a dozen instruments without knowledge of musical theory is inevitably either writing an arrangement of a simpler piece or composing modern music.
Serving suggestion: Musical theory best served with at least 2 years experience with actual musical instrument.
Serving suggestion: Musical theory best served with at least 2 years experience with actual musical instrument.
by Bob Hu January 5, 2004
Basically, a way of analyzing music.
Specifically, music theory is made up of laws, rules, labels and other insights regarding Western music (particularly its harmonic tendencies), pioneered by a man named Rameau.
Music came first, theory came after.
Specifically, music theory is made up of laws, rules, labels and other insights regarding Western music (particularly its harmonic tendencies), pioneered by a man named Rameau.
Music came first, theory came after.
In Music Theory, Roman numeral labels are given to chords in relation to a melodic key center. IV-V-I is the strongest cadence in Western harmony.
by stadam anley January 28, 2009
Essentially, the alphabet of music. It is important to learn theory so that when you decide to break the rules, you are doing it out of wisdom, and not out of ignorance. See: Miles Davis
Music theory teaches you important rudimentary skills necessary to be successful as a professional musician.
by rtcp September 28, 2006
1. The study of musical structure and aesthetics, concerning chord structures, musical intervals, rythms, meters, scales, etc.
2. Something that the majority of modern music artists lack knowlege of
2. Something that the majority of modern music artists lack knowlege of
Most recording artists seem to think that fashionable clothes and expensive studio recordings, rather than solid music theory, can make their music good.
by Juan September 29, 2003
1. A subject that 75% of "musicians" out there have never touched.
2. An excuse the ignorant make to put down artists that try to push the boundaries of contemporary music. All the while these same ignoramuses believe poor technique and slop equate with good music just because everybody else thinks so. These people also have never bothered to actually listen to the music they loathe so much.
3. A set of (flexible) rules that dictate the manner in which music functions.
2. An excuse the ignorant make to put down artists that try to push the boundaries of contemporary music. All the while these same ignoramuses believe poor technique and slop equate with good music just because everybody else thinks so. These people also have never bothered to actually listen to the music they loathe so much.
3. A set of (flexible) rules that dictate the manner in which music functions.
In most introductory music theory courses, students learn about the intervallic structure of the major scale and how it is harmonized.
by Brian February 26, 2004
Something you learn so you can teach it to people who want to teach music theory to other people so they can teach it to more students and perpetuate the cycle.
Music Theory Teacher (On death bed): ....what have I done with my life? I feel empty inside....
Son: Music Theory
Music Theory Teacher: oh, tell the students to stop, oh my mistakes!
Son: Music Theory
Music Theory Teacher: oh, tell the students to stop, oh my mistakes!
by Da One, Da One, Da Only One March 15, 2018
A class in which you avoid parallel fifths and octaves like they’re the Rona and also don’t double the leading tone. Also you get the added bonus of confusing the heck out of yourself trying to tell the difference between the three types of augmented sixth chords.
Person: Why are you up at 8am?
Me: I have an 8am class
Person: And what class is that?
Me: Music Theory...
Me: I have an 8am class
Person: And what class is that?
Me: Music Theory...
by Pialinist April 29, 2021