When learning a new language, there comes a point—whether through speaking or listening—when it’s helpful (or even necessary) to understand the grammar that shapes it. Grammar helps us make sense of the structure, form, and function of communication. Music works in a similar way.
Music theory can be thought of as the grammar of music. It provides the framework that helps us understand what we’re playing, why it sounds the way it does, and how we can effectively communicate about it with others.
If you play an instrument, chances are you’ve already encountered some music theory—whether you realized it or not. For example, you might have learned how to play a chord on guitar or piano. But understanding what notes make up that chord, why those notes sound good together, and how the chord functions in a piece of music—that’s music theory in action.
Why Is Music Theory Important?
- It helps you understand what you’re playing, not just repeat what’s written.
- It provides tools to improvise, compose, and arrange music.
- It enhances your ability to communicate with other musicians, regardless of instrument or style.
- It enables more expressive playing, helping you make musical choices with intention.
Even casual or hobbyist musicians benefit from learning theory. In fact, many professional musicians continue to study theory throughout their careers. Some even specialize in it, pursuing degrees in music theory, composition, or musicology.
Where to Begin?
A few foundational music theory topics include:
- The Circle of Fifths
- Major and Minor Scales
- Chord Construction and Harmony
Want to dive deeper?
Click here to schedule a lesson and explore how music theory can transform your understanding of the music you play.
Often when learning a new language, even if it’s by listening to it conversationally, there will come a point in which you should, or even have to, learn some of the grammar behind the language. We do this in order to make sense of it as a whole. Music works in much the same way. One major way we can understand what music theory is, is by thinking of it as the “grammar” behind the music we play. If you play an instrument, you have probably learned some music theory. Music theory is essential to the study of music and is the way we as musicians can understand music as well as communicate about it. A great example to better grasp what music theory is would be playing a chord on the guitar and/or piano. It’s easy and fairly quick to learn how to play a chord, but to understand what makes up a chord and why it sounds the way it does, is the music theory side of things.
Music theory enables us as musicians to not just play what we see but understand what we are playing. In addition, it helps us to make musical decisions such as highlighting certain chord tones during a solo, or adding dynamics to a phrase, or even composing/arranging a piece of music.
Music theory is an in-depth topic of study and most musicians both professional and hobbyists alike can spend a lifetime studying it. Most universities even have a whole major that specializes in music theory or very related fields (such as compositing/arranging and musicology).
So where to start?
- The Circle of Fifths
- Major and Minor Scales
- Chords
If you would like to learn more about music as a whole and/or music theory, click the link below to schedule a lesson!
Important Links
Brighton Music Academy: Main – Brighton Music Academy
Booking: Brighton Location (townlessons.com)
More Booking: https://app.robly.com/sites/f1dda5b7114ab1ca0530aa099b38508c/Brighton
