Can you learn to play piano without studying music theory? Yes, of course. So why learn it? Students who have not had systematic instruction in music theory later find that there are a lot of holes in their understanding of music, so they are unable to make further progress until the holes are filled in. It is much easier to learn the theory along the way as you learn to play your instrument.
Music Reading Early instruction in music theory is almost entirely devoted to helping the student to become a better music reader. Students are learning to read rhythm, pitch, intervals and chords. They must learn new vocabulary, symbols and stylistic markings. Learning to read music is like learning a new language; students must spend time reviewing and practicing in order to master it. Studying music theory helps students to recognize patterns and structures, so that they can read music faster and with greater accuracy. Accompaniment and Improvisation In the beginning, students are learning to play the music that is written on the page, but eventually most students will want to play in a band, play for worship services, or provide accompaniment for someone else. This generally requires a different skill set beyond simply reading the notes on the page. It requires an understanding of chords, inversions, functional harmony and cadences. They may have to play from a lead sheet or chord chart and perhaps even have to transpose a piece to a different key. Students who study jazz will need to have a complete understanding of scales, chords and keys in order to improvise. Auditions, Entrance Exams Theory tests are often a requirement for music competitions and music camps, and students who are applying to be music majors in college are generally required to take a theory test as part of the audition process. Students are expected to read all musical notation and to know all vocabulary. More advanced competitions and college entrance exams will require students to analyze music using standard chord notation. Students who have studied music theory from the beginning have no difficulty with these types of exams, but it can be quite stressful to students who have no background in music theory. Music is highly organized and mathematical. If we learn how music is put together, then we have a greater capacity to understand it. Piano is the ideal instrument on which to learn music theory, as it is the only instrument on which the relationships between notes can be visually seen and observed. Music theory is only intimidating if theory instruction is delayed and there is an overwhelming volume of information to be learned. If we learn it in small increments, as we learn to play, it is easy to learn, and we gain a deeper understanding of the music that we play.
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