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.
Unless you have perfect pitch, you need theory to truly gain a sharp ear. And, even if you are one of the rare ones who has perfect pitch, you still need theory in order to enhance your relative pitch and your sense of melodic and harmonic structure so you can compose, improvise, and perform with depth and dexterity. Just because you can hear a note and name it doesn't mean you understand it sufficiently, just like being able to read notes and play them back doesn't automatically give you great dexterity or allow you to write a great symphony.
Did you ever listen to someone reading aloud in a mechanical voice, or in a flat monotone? True, they can read and speak the words that they read. But the reason they sound so dull and boring is that the speaker did not comprehend the words or the impact have on the listener.
So even if a person reads without expression they may understand what the words mean, but they still do not grasp the true meaning of the words. If they really understood what they were reading, the reading would be more impressive. This holds true for musicians: if they can read the notes, they would be much better musicians by infusing the notes with expression.
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.
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.
Unless you have perfect pitch, you need theory to truly gain a sharp ear. And, even if you are one of the rare ones who has perfect pitch, you still need theory in order to enhance your relative pitch and your sense of melodic and harmonic structure so you can compose, improvise, and perform with depth and dexterity. Just because you can hear a note and name it doesn't mean you understand it sufficiently, just like being able to read notes and play them back doesn't automatically give you great dexterity or allow you to write a great symphony.
Did you ever listen to someone reading aloud in a mechanical voice, or in a flat monotone? True, they can read and speak the words that they read. But the reason they sound so dull and boring is that the speaker did not comprehend the words or the impact have on the listener.
So even if a person reads without expression they may understand what the words mean, but they still do not grasp the true meaning of the words. If they really understood what they were reading, the reading would be more impressive. This holds true for musicians: if they can read the notes, they would be much better musicians by infusing the notes with expression.
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.
About the Author:
Georgia Reader writes for PlayPianoGuide.com, which is a site that reviews the most recent and most effective piano courses currently online. Music theory is mandatory for piano students to learn as well as learning the notes and how to play the instrument.
