Should a musician be required to learn music theory?

Discussion in 'Movies, Music & TV' started by Chezer, Dec 28, 2010.

  1. #1
    I think it is very important for any musician who doesn't know music theory to learn it. It reveals an infinite amount of ideas to the musician that may or may not be created by playing by ear.
     
    Chezer, Dec 28, 2010 IP
  2. danielchloe

    danielchloe Peon

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    #2
    Yes of course you need that if you really mean to learn a good music.
     
    danielchloe, Dec 29, 2010 IP
  3. Abhishek86

    Abhishek86 Member

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    #3
    Without a teacher, you can't learn many things. So it is necessary to be a musician to learn music theory...:)
     
    Abhishek86, Dec 29, 2010 IP
  4. StoneWilson

    StoneWilson Peon

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    #4
    For most of musician, learn music theory is necessary. For geniuses, they write music theory, lol~
     
    StoneWilson, Dec 29, 2010 IP
  5. dp40oz

    dp40oz Active Member

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    #5
    Music theory is definitely good to know but theres plenty of successful musicians who probably don't know any theory. It also depends on the style of music you play.
     
    dp40oz, Dec 31, 2010 IP
  6. gugubee557

    gugubee557 Member

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    #6
    Well, I think music theory is necessary for musicians. But if you just like to play guitar every week, I doubt you need it.
     
    gugubee557, Dec 31, 2010 IP
  7. adacprogramming

    adacprogramming Well-Known Member

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    #7
    "required to learn" ?????

    Music is predominantly about creativity. Knowing theory does not make you more creative. So no, there should be no requirements.

    That being said. With someone who does have talent, knowing theory helps them to express that creativity better. You can easily tell the bands where the members have some training by the diversity of their music. It's a lot harder for someone with no training to break out of a set mode or style, although some manage to become popular while staying in a very repetitive style.
     
    adacprogramming, Dec 31, 2010 IP
  8. animebuzz.tv

    animebuzz.tv Peon

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    #8
    starting music is like learning music theory, once you call yourself a musician you already learned this theory by experience :O
     
    animebuzz.tv, Dec 31, 2010 IP
  9. womo1984

    womo1984 Guest

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    #9
    Noone from Beatles knew music theory - or even music sheet - and they became the most popular band in 1960s. :)
     
    womo1984, Jan 3, 2011 IP
  10. ChrisTurn

    ChrisTurn Peon

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    #10
    Most popular band, yes, with hits but without art...
     
    ChrisTurn, Jan 3, 2011 IP
  11. tomlb

    tomlb Peon

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    #11
    I don't think it is necessary to know music theory to be good musicians, though it does help greatly, plenty of the best artists have never batted
    an eyelid at it, but they're doing a lot better than most of us!
     
    tomlb, Jan 4, 2011 IP
  12. mercava

    mercava Peon

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    #12
    I think the most important thing for a musician is Talent. You can learn a bunch of theory and become a good musician but in the end you can never beat a talented musician.
     
    mercava, Jan 4, 2011 IP
  13. dotmu

    dotmu Greenhorn

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    #13
    No, I don't think so, there are many musicians who never learn a single thing of a theory, but they are able to make music and play instruments. The important thing are talent and the willingness to learn by him/herself.
     
    dotmu, Jan 4, 2011 IP
  14. etc

    etc Well-Known Member

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    #14
    theories are necessary to become a talented musician. take a look at tom morello of rage against the machine and how he plays his guitar. of course theory is the very basic thing...

    theory will make a musician learn to play an instrument without even knowing the title of the song but he know how to play it because of listening to the singer at the same time.
     
    etc, Jan 4, 2011 IP
  15. shinan

    shinan Well-Known Member

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    #15
    What the fuck? Are you saying Beatles did not have art? God. What do you listen to, Justin Bieber? Beatles IS the best fucking thing that happened, ever.

    Some musical legends who did not care about theory were Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon etc. Art comes from within you, not from a book.
     
    shinan, Jan 9, 2011 IP
  16. parkbeans

    parkbeans Peon

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    #16
    if every musician learns the same theory then the diverse and creative techniques that give us so many different genres would, over time, blend into one.
     
    parkbeans, Jan 10, 2011 IP
  17. Amin123

    Amin123 Peon

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    #17
    Yes like anyother knowlege, it should be.
     
    Amin123, Jan 10, 2011 IP
  18. seaneking

    seaneking Guest

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    #18
    IMO it depends entirely on what you want to do. If you want to just play rhythm section in a band, or have a bit of fun at home, then not necessarily. But if you want to write some killer pieces of your own or really get creative, then almost certainly. Even if you don't want to be in the 'constrains' of music theory, you have to know the rules before you can break them.
     
    seaneking, Jan 11, 2011 IP
  19. bisma anwar

    bisma anwar Peon

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    #19
    yes i agree with you that its necessary to take classes by someone if you really want to be good musician
     
    bisma anwar, Jan 11, 2011 IP