Why study music theory?
Music theory is the study of how music works
It examines the language and notation of music. It seeks to identify patterns and structures in composers' techniques across or within genres, styles, or historical periods. In a grand sense, music theory distills and analyzes the fundamental elements of music— rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, form, texture, etc. Broadly, music theory may include any statement, belief, or conception of or about music.
You will be a better performer
If you don't know much music theory and you are playing some music and you encounter a passage that has the notes C, E, and G, you would have to mentally process those three notes separately, and this will slow down your ability to perform. If a musician knows music theory, it takes less mental effort to understand the music. Music theory makes learning, practicing and performing much easier.
You will have more options as a musician
All musical activities will be much easier. Performing, composing, improvising, arranging, teaching music or getting a music degree will be much easier if you know music theory.
Additional requirement for a more advanced certificate
When you get into practical Grade 6, a written theory exam will be an additional requirement for all candidates.
It examines the language and notation of music. It seeks to identify patterns and structures in composers' techniques across or within genres, styles, or historical periods. In a grand sense, music theory distills and analyzes the fundamental elements of music— rhythm, harmony, melody, structure, form, texture, etc. Broadly, music theory may include any statement, belief, or conception of or about music.
You will be a better performer
If you don't know much music theory and you are playing some music and you encounter a passage that has the notes C, E, and G, you would have to mentally process those three notes separately, and this will slow down your ability to perform. If a musician knows music theory, it takes less mental effort to understand the music. Music theory makes learning, practicing and performing much easier.
You will have more options as a musician
All musical activities will be much easier. Performing, composing, improvising, arranging, teaching music or getting a music degree will be much easier if you know music theory.
Additional requirement for a more advanced certificate
When you get into practical Grade 6, a written theory exam will be an additional requirement for all candidates.
