I’m sure you’ve heard it: “Music theory murders creativity”. In fact, you’ve probably heard it from one of your favourite musicians. After all, if the Beatles managed without it, it’s probably true, right? The fact is that the stigma surrounding music theory is based on bad teaching, fear and arrogance. And, due to this stigma, many musicians have gone about working it out themselves and come out with masterpieces. That doesn’t mean they didn’t know music theory, because, at its simplest, it is knowing which notes work together and which don’t: undeniably useful when learning an instrument. Whatever people say, I firmly believe the more you know about music the better you become at it. Learning about different genres, techniques and ideas allows you to see the full potential of your instrument, and use the ideas of others to create ideas of your own (as with every discipline). If you’re not yet convinced, here are my four top reasons why the theory as well as the practice of music is useful…. And amazing!
1. It’s not actually theory!
Faced with an endless array of scales, chords and arpeggios, it’s not surprising that many musicians shy away from music theory, especially when it seems to have no relevance to the practical aspects of their instrument. Yet, the study of music is not purely academic and analytical; you need to be able to apply it on the spot. Some of the most rewarding aspects of music emerge when creating music under pressure. Musicians have to adapt to one another, creating more genuine and expressive sounds than from a previously composed piece – it communicates the feelings of the instrumentalist at that precise moment. It is as if music is their language and the notes are their words. However, to accomplish this, you need to already be fluent in that language. This means working out what works well and what doesn’t, even if that means picking up a book of the afore mentioned scales and arpeggios – these aren’t made up! They were discovered by musicians of the past, for us to use, adapt and create new and exciting ideas. The principles of music theory aren’t rules, they are tools. The creativity is still inside you.
2. It helps you be inspired by your favourite songs and pieces
With theory, you can discover how music making has evolved over time. You can see how composers were inspired by each other, but also what they changed. For example, music in the 18th century was based on a single melody that slowly became entangled with several variations, creating a thick texture. Composers of the classical period took this idea and simplified it: they would explore several melodic ideas and their variations in sequence. This produced more memorable and clearer melodies. In the same way, you can look at your favourite songs and think what makes them great? You can see what chords they use, how they structure their songs, what notes they use to make their melodies… Then, you can use this to inspire your own songs but begin to find new ways to do things and create your own sound. It’s one of the best ways to discover how to make music if you’re struggling to start. After all, you can’t break the rules before you know them!
3. It broadens your mind
Music theory doesn’t stifle creativity. In fact, it does the opposite. The more you delve into the theory behind music, the more you discover new techniques with which to innovate. Take for example polytonality, polyphony, polyrhythms… there’s probably something else poly. These are the mixing of melodies, rhythms, and weirdly, key signatures in order to create some very unique music. Even if you don’t go as far as some of these bizarre ideas, studying music theory opens your mind to things you wouldn’t automatically do. Maybe you’ll start using more chords if your prone to limiting yourself to the 1st, 4th and 5th? Maybe you’ll discover another scale to embellish your melodies? Who knows? In fact, one of the main benefits of theory is it encourages you to listen to different styles of music to understand the concepts. Blending genres, experimenting with new approaches and learning more about a subject you love all make a better composer, not a less creative one.
4. It’s actually really interesting.
Some of you may disagree with me but I think music theory is pretty mind blowing stuff… and it relates to so many other fascinating subjects. Physics, for example, can explain why a piano sounds different to a guitar. Yes, it sounds obvious but the knowledge that when an instrument vibrates to produce a note, it also produces several overtones at the same time is very significant – and useful. The waves that act as overtones have different amplitudes for each instrument even on the same note and therefore create a different sound. We can use this to create synthesisers that sound like different instruments by mimicking these overtones, and can even encode music into a digital format because of this theory. Then, there’s the history of music, which tells us a lot about history in general – why art was made, what life was like in an aristocratic society… Not to mention the amount of languages musicians pick up reading scores! Theory may be a toolkit for the practical sides of music, but don’t consider it a chore: there’s so much to be discovered by studying what makes music so great.
The fact is the stigma surrounding music is based on bad teaching – people claiming music is mathematical and logical when, at its heart, it is an arts subject. It’s a form of entertainment, a way of expressing yourself, something to share with others. Music theory only makes it easier. Yes, it can feel like a slog. A lot of the basics can seem dull and, frankly terrifying. Yet, the hard parts of music can become so much easier with a little practice. Instead of being hindered by key signatures and clefs, reading music becomes natural and playing becomes easier. Instead of worrying about chords and harmonies, you can focus on song-writing: melodies, lyrics and textures. It even becomes easier to collaborate with others if you know how to talk about music.
Basically, don’t be afraid of music theory. Embrace it.