Music Theory 

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.

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.

Music Theory by stadam anley January 27, 2009

music theory 

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.

music theory by rtcp September 22, 2008

music theory 

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

Most recording artists seem to think that fashionable clothes and expensive studio recordings, rather than solid music theory, can make their music good.

music theory by Juan September 28, 2003

Music Theory 

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!

Music Theory by Da One, Da One, Da Only One March 17, 2018

Music Theory 

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...

Music Theory by Pialinist April 28, 2021

Music Theory 

The principles/guidlines of classical, real music. Modern musicians tend to neglect music theory or have little knowledge of it. However, most knowledgeable musicians have a basic idea of theory. (Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen to cite two)

Person 1: "Hey, play me a Em, FM, and GM in common time so I can put together a solo using the Em scale."
Person 2: "Whats common time?"
Person 1: "Oh great, I'm jamming with a moron."

You look like an asshole when you don't know music theory.

Music Theory by Markus5273 October 3, 2005

music theory 

A class that explains the structure of music. You'll learn the difference between an A-sharp and a B-flat. Later you get into the rules of writing counterpoints and four-part harmonies, which are useless unless you write classical music, but are still good to know.

Music theory is the first music class I had to take in which I actually had to THINK.

music theory by Mike the Ekim April 30, 2006