Tag Archives: music

All Musicians Should Learn Music Theory

Image courtesy of punsayaporn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of punsayaporn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As you learn how to play an instrument, music takes on a new role in your life. The more you learn, the less you realize you know. You have probably listened to a song and wondered “How can I write something like that?”. An important tool to learn how to do just that is music theory.

What is it?

Music theory is the science of rationalizing music. Through it, we can understand what gives a song its character. For centuries, theorists have studied chords, intervals, and melodies. Music theory instruction is today one of the capstone courses of a music degree. Many graduates take it for three years while they are in school.

Why Learn Music Theory?

Many “self-taught” musicians eschew the process of learning it. Their ear is the tool they think they need. These novices are making a crucial mistake. Learning theory actually improves your mind’s ear. It can be frustrating because there is no end to the study of theory. You can’t know everything about music.

Express Yourself

Knowledge of the science behind music helps musicians express themselves more fully. It expedites the process of getting a piece of music in your head down on paper the way you hear it. Without a good foundation, you could spend hours just trying to figure out what you are hearing. A good background in music theory gives you the ability to focus on the details when writing.

Improvising

Improvising is a huge part of American music. It started with jazz, but now soloists in every genre do it. It is the act of creating music on the spot with no preconceived idea. Of course, there are people that have a natural talent for it. Even they can benefit from applying theoretical knowledge to the natural ability they already possess.

How to Learn it

There are a few ways to improve music theory knowledge. A lot of books have been written about the topic. Companies like C.R. Carole music offer music theory workbooks. They offer the most basic music theory instructions all the way up to advanced level courses. It can be a tricky topic to learn at first. So, it’s a good idea to hire a private instructor to help with your studies. Private teachers are professionals with a vast amount of knowledge on the topic. They will make the process of learning theory go much quicker. When you understand the mathematical concepts behind music, your relationship with it is much more rewarding and fruitful.

Music only they could appreciate

My kids love music. Proof to it is their mobile phones loaded with MP3 songs. They carry their cellphones wherever they go, except of course when they take a bath. They listen to new songs only they could appreciate. I said this because I’m still stuck to a certain era where I can relate and appreciate the songs more. My kids also listen to instrumental music from time to time. Although they can’t really recognize whether the sound emanates from a focusrite scarlett 6i6 or whatever type of guitar it is, they still appreciate the good music. Music gives them company when they are bored. It also relaxes and helps them to sleep.

Showcasing Talent through Video Cameras

There are instances when creative people would like to find different tools in order to express what they are feeling. It all depends on what people would like to show. There are instances when people would need the right type of equipment such as the right video camera or the right type of lights in order to show something that will be appreciated not only by the maker but by other people as well.

If you are searching for the right type of video camera, the rode videomic pro comes highly recommended. The reason for this is because it is compact and can be bought almost anywhere. It also has its own built in microphone which makes it more susceptible to hear outside sounds. Do not limit yourself to video cameras that will give you limited choices especially if you are determined to show your craft.