Think music theory is too difficult? here’s why

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In my opinion (as a music professional over 35) music theory is taught in the most confusing and painful way imaginable. An example of this, students are often faced with several sets of systems for describing the same thing in different classes.

For example, scale degrees are referenced using numbers (0-9) in private lessons, Roman numerals (upper and lower case) in analysis, terms such as Tonic, Subediant, Dominant, etc. when you get to the theory class, and something called “Solfege” (Do-Re-Mi) in ear training. Too often the student has no idea that all of these systems refer to the same basic thing, degrees of scale. And this is just one example!

Scale degree naming schemes …

  • Numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Names: Tonic, Supertonic, Mediant, Sub-dominant, Dominant, Sub-mediant, Main tone
  • Roman: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII
  • Music theory: Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti

Can music theory be made easier to understand?

Yes he can. All it really takes is reducing theory to its simplest form. Then present it in a consistent way that is much easier to understand. For example. Let’s take a better approach to the presentation of the degree scale mentioned above.

Instead of using different systems for private lessons, analysis, music theory lessons, and ear training, we could use standard numbers (0-9) for all of them. We’ve removed the barriers to learning music theory (including all music theory names for notes not on the scale), English names for each scale degree, appropriate use of uppercase Roman numerals and lower case letters, etc., BEFORE any music functionality can be learned. We’re getting down to business using a system all students are familiar with, the numbers 0-9. Again, this is just one example.

With consistency across the board, all of this can be learned and retained easily. If you are planning to go to college where all of these terms will be needed, you can still learn these terms and systems AFTER you understand how music works. Believe me, it’s MUCH EASIER like this!

As stated before, this is just one example of how something that can be explained so simply has become unnecessarily complex.

So the solution is to simplify music theory, not the current trend to make it more difficult. I believe that the study of how music works can be reduced to these two basic concepts … First, learn the major scale. Then use the major scale to learn everything. Seems pretty straightforward to me!

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Source by Mark A Clark

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