Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Is Music Theory Necessary for Pianists?

By Georgia Reader

The study of music theory entails the analysis and building of chords, how to develop a melody, scales, rhythm, and ear training. In most traditional music school settings, music theory has always been a part of the curriculum. Nowadays, in this world with people that want quick results and fast fixes, students just don't want to spend the time studying 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.

All music schools and music departments furnish a number of theory classes for students, as well as ear training. Perfect pitch is a rare gift for most musicians, but even those individuals who have perfect pitch still have to study theory so that it helps them with relative pitch and learn how melodies and harmony are constructed in works of music. Also, even if you can identify and read notes easily doesn't mean that you can compose great works of music or that you can easily understand a great piece of music.

Imagine listening to someone reading out loud using no expression or emotion, with a lot of hesitation. Still, they are able to read and speak the words. The problem is that they do not sound good because there is no understanding of the words they are articulating.

If the person comprehends the meaning of the words he or she reads without any expression, the real meaning behind the words they are reading are not really heard. But if they truly understood what they were reading, the reading would convey more what the writer intended. This is definitely true for musicians, because a musician that infuses his performances with expression and passion will do much better than someone who performs the pitches or notes in a correct yet mechanical way.

A music student with perfect pitch who can perform with uncanny accuracy and beauty still needs to acquire the knowledge neccessary to understand music theory. Most colleges require music students to learn music theory as a part of their program of study. And most music students know that it is necessary to study music theory to understand how music works. - 16747

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