What is Music Theory?

Along with terms like "calculus," "organic chemistry," and "IRS," the term "music theory" seems perfectly crafted to induce fear and nausea, or at the very least an insuppressible desire to yawn violently. So what is music theory and why does it have such a bad name? Let's start by discussing what music theory isn't. It isn't a bunch of boring worksheets given to you by your piano teacher in a glaringly overt attempt to take all the fun out of music. And it isn't a dry lecture given by a stuffy professor in a polyester suit about the mathematically organized nature of Bach's fugues. These things may involve music theory and they may be the images conjured up by that term, but there's a lot more to the story.

One thing that should be made very clear in any discussion about music theory is this: first there was music, then there was music theory. Just as the universe existed long before there were scientists to explain it, music existed long before there were musicologists to explain it. But, like the science of physics, music theory is more than just an intellectual exercise for academics. It has a practical side too. Take, for example, the 12 notes that are the foundation of western music (A, A#/Bb, B, C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E, F, F#/Gb, G, G#/Ab). Where did these notes come from, and why do they have such crazy names? Who decided that there should be 12 (as opposed to, say, 500)? And what is a note anyway, and how can you be sure that when you play a C on one instrument, another instrument will be able to play a C that sounds the same?

Still stifling that yawn? Okay, here's something even more practical for both musicians and listeners. Think of one of your favorite songs. Got it? Now think of the ending of that song. When the music stops, does it leave you dissatisfied? Are you expecting more? If so, this probably isn't really one of your favorite songs and you should pick another. Are you purposely trying to be disruptive? Just as fairytales are expected to end with, "And they lived happily ever after," songs are expected to end with a satisfying conclusion, one that lets listeners know that the fat lady has sung and the song is OVER. Yes, some fairytales end "sadly ever after," and some songs don't come to a satisfying close, but by and large the popular songs and stories that people enjoy have very satisfying endings. You probably know a satisfying ending when you hear one (a lifetime of listening to music has taught you more theory than you may realize), but it's impossible to explain in terms other than "really cool," or "totally satisfying dude," without a conscious knowledge of music theory.

Music theory also provides an invaluable toolbox for songwriters. It can teach them everything they need to know about chords, melodies, instruments, introductions, endings and more. When a songwriter creates a great theme that lasts 35 seconds and isn't sure where to go next to complete a song, he or she can use ... what else? ... music theory! Yes, it is possible to write a good song with no conscious knowledge of music theory. And yes, it is possible, technically, to build a 3-story office building without blueprints or engineering. But--and I say this with the least possible intention of giving offense--I wouldn't work in that office building even if the only alternative was to work in an alligator-infested swamp!

Well, I've beat around the bush long enough now and it's time to ask the toughest question about music theory. I know you're all thinking it, so I'm just going to come right out and say it. Okay, here goes. Really. Are you ready? Yes? All right, here it is: "Do I need to know anything about music theory to play music?" There, I said it. Are you happy now? Oh, you want the answer? Well, why didn't you just say so? And the answer is ... (drum roll please) ... "NO!" As I mentioned earlier, first there was music and then there was music theory. So, if you want to hollow out a stick and make a dijeridu, or find a stump to beat on, or stretch a rubber band between two wooden dowels and twang away to your heart's content, go right ahead. You're making music! But the moment you pick up a violin, or a saxophone, or a harmonica, or a piano--okay, picking up a piano would probably hurt, maybe you should sit down at it instead--you're using music theory, whether you know it or not. These instruments wouldn't exist without it. When you read notes for any instrument, you are again using music theory.

So, how much should you learn about music theory? Well, that's up to you. With the possible exception of the words to Don Ho's "Tiny Bubbles," I've never regretted any musical knowledge I've gained. As my knowledge has increased, my understanding of patterns in music has improved and this has made it easier for me to play, memorize and write songs. Knowledge of music theory hasn't made me an overnight virtuoso, but it has certainly taken me further along the path.