Top definition
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 27, 2009
May 19 Word of the Day
Voluntarily Celibate.
A person who chooses to be celibate. Can be for any given amount of time, for a short period or for their entire life. Can be for religious reasons or not.
related: incel
A person who chooses to be celibate. Can be for any given amount of time, for a short period or for their entire life. Can be for religious reasons or not.
related: incel
-Priests are volcel (or at least they're supposed to be).
-Gary was so upset after the divorce he became volcel for the rest of his life.
-Gary was so upset after the divorce he became volcel for the rest of his life.
by kay_see October 23, 2007
2
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 27, 2006
3
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 28, 2003
4
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.
by Mike the Ekim March 25, 2006
5
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.
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.
by Markus5273 October 03, 2005
6
A set of rules, guidelines, and terminology that musicians have come to agree upon over time.
Music theory mostly deals with the earliest music ever written on paper to music written in the late 1800's.
Music theory mostly deals with the earliest music ever written on paper to music written in the late 1800's.
by The Drafted's guitar player April 28, 2005