Music theory is the backbone of understanding how music works. It reveals why certain sounds flow comfortably into the next or why particular note combinations might feel “off.” From mastering the basics to exploring the outer edges of altered harmonies and obscure modes, music theory shapes the way we hear, feel, and express ourselves through sound.
There’s a common misconception: “You don’t need theory to be a great musician.” Let me start by addressing that. Everyone, given the opportunity, should explore music in one way or another. Some will only listen, others will play. Some will learn music that’s already been written, and some will compose their own. Of those who compose, some won’t understand why their music sounds good, while others will dissect it endlessly. All of these paths are valid, and all these people contribute to the evolution of music.
It’s not a competition. Knowing music theory doesn’t make one musician “better” than another. In the realm of art, where the goal is creating something from nothing, there’s no single correct approach. Many breathtaking songs have been written by people with no formal knowledge of music theory, just as there are complex, theoretically informed compositions that fail to resonate. Music is subjective; sometimes limitations spark creativity, and sometimes understanding unlocks innovation.
So, why is music theory important? First, it provides a universal language that musicians can use to communicate. Like any profession, the more you understand your field, the better you can collaborate, push boundaries, and teach others. In music, especially in academic or professional settings, “talking music” streamlines learning and creativity.
For example, when you’re in a band and someone calls out the chords to a song, not knowing them slows everything down. Understanding scales, modes, and how they relate to chords allows you to experiment with harmonies and ideas without guesswork. If someone says a section is in C Lydian Dominant, you immediately know which notes are emphasized (like F# and Bb) and can adjust your approach accordingly.
The more you know a language, the more fluently you can create within it. Compare it to learning a spoken language: if you knew only a little French and were asked to write a poem, it would be incredibly challenging. You might get lucky, and it could sound good, but more likely, it would be simplistic and lack depth, relying on the few words you know. Music theory works in much the same way. Fundamentals like note values, note names, and basic vocabulary are essential building blocks in any musician’s creative life, just like knowing a few words in French is necessary to form even a simple sentence.
There are always exceptions. Some people can pick up an instrument and create something beautiful without any formal knowledge. But as you deepen your understanding of music theory, your vocabulary expands. With that expansion, your ability to express more nuanced and intricate ideas grows, offering you endless creative possibilities.
Learning all the scales, modes, altered modes, and understanding where each one is derived opens up endless creative possibilities. Experimenting with these concepts will spark new ideas, helping you hear music in ways you’ve never recognized before. As you listen to your favorite songs, you’ll begin to identify progressions and understand why they sound the way they do. Over time, you’ll develop your own reasoning, gravitating toward certain patterns that resonate with you. This process ultimately shapes and defines your unique voice as a musician.
A common side effect of learning music theory is falling into the trap of “more is more.” Suddenly, the songs you loved when you were younger might seem simple and no longer hold your attention. While growth is good and tastes should evolve, dismissing the beauty of simplicity isn’t always ideal. Sometimes, the most beautiful song is built on just one chord.
First, taste is subjective. What resonates with one person may not resonate with another (or between you and your past self). Second, a song’s magic often lies in much more than its composition. Craving complexity is natural as your understanding grows, and that’s okay. Thankfully, there’s so much music in the world that whatever you crave, simple, complex, or somewhere in between, you’ll never run out of songs to discover. For perspective, over 120,000 songs are uploaded to Spotify every single day. That’s about 8 months’ worth of constant streaming, released daily. Yikes.
As a music theorist myself, I started learning deep music theory when I was 14. I studied under Lord Saxon Von Saint, a past professor from Berklee College of Music. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I found myself seeking out the works of composers like Chopin and Ravel. Bands I had loved before started to feel boring in comparison and I gravitated toward progressive rock instead of pop rock. Around the same time, I began studying music production, which deepened my fascination not only with compositional techniques but also with the experimental production styles of artists like Beck, The Beatles, and Radiohead. But that’s a story for another time.
All this to say, I definitely fell into the “more is more” trap. Complexity became my obsession, often leaving simplicity less satisfying. Over time, however, I found balance in what I appreciated. I realized that beauty in music isn’t solely about how complex or intricate something is, it’s about the emotions it stirs and the connections it creates. My Jazz Composition Professor at HCC put it best: “I spent my entire young life trying to play as many notes as possible and the rest of my life trying to figure out which notes I don’t need to play.”
Yet, as I grew, I also realized that just as complexity isn’t the only path to beauty, the rules of music theory aren’t barriers, they’re tools waiting to be used creatively. And learning these rules isn’t about confinement, it’s about freedom. While it might initially feel restrictive to learn all the “rules” of how music works, these rules are not walls; they are stepping stones. The real magic happens when you realize the rules exist so you can experiment, break them, and discover something new.
Music theory becomes your toolbox, filled with countless possibilities. It’s the resource you turn to when you feel stuck or uninspired, or when the next step in your creative process isn’t immediately clear. Instead of asking, “What can’t I do?” theory inspires you to ask, “What CAN I do?” This shift in perspective can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Maybe you try a chord you’ve never used, explore a mode you’ve never played, or experiment with an unfamiliar scale, and suddenly, your brain starts sprinting on a creative treadmill.
The beauty of theory lies in its ability to guide you toward those “what if” moments: What if I changed this progression? What if I used this voicing? What if I altered this scale? These aren’t just hypotheticals, they’re sparks that ignite new ideas and push you to explore uncharted territory in your music. It’s like being a painter with the ability to mix any color you want, creating the exact shade you envision. The more you know about how the palette works, the more effortlessly you can turn your ideas into reality. Music theory gives you the tools to hear something in your head and bring it to life with precision and intention.
Ultimately, learning music theory is an investment in your creative freedom. It allows you to explore, create, and express yourself fully. It’s not about following the rules, it’s about mastering them so you can make your own.
Descant Music offers music theory, piano, voice, and guitar lessons in Holyoke, MA. Whether you're just beginning or looking to deepen your skills, our lessons are designed to help you grow as a musician. Visit descant-music.com for more information and to get started.
While you're here, check out some of our other exciting projects! Padded Waltz, our Progressive Art-Rock band, blends intricate melodies and thought-provoking compositions. Smash your ears on our music at paddedwaltz.com.
Additionally, Mass Music Collective (MMC) is a community-driven initiative designed to connect Massachusetts bands and artists. If you're a local band, sign up to collaborate, network, and grow. For listeners, discover an ever-expanding array of talent from across the state. Learn more and get involved at massmusiccollective.com.
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