What things I should learn about theory?

[pekko]

I know the basic (?) theory well. I mean stuff like Musictheory.net etc. but I would like to continue further. I'm more intrested in stuff that I can actually hear (or train myself to hear) than all kind of Schenker analysis for example. Actually, I know nothing about Schenker analysis but let's still forget about it, OK?

I want to learn theory to memorize music better (and cover the errors in perfomance), to see the patterns in music and to  have something to play with in my improvisations (which aren't too good by the way). I want to understand fugues, modes, modulations and why this-and-that was replaced by other thing. Like why harmonic minor is usually better than natural minor, although I already know why. Atleast on some level.

I'm not looking for books in English (I have bought too many from Amazon this year), I'm looking for things that will be good to understand before going to another, more complicated analysis, just as nobody learns anything about Higgs bosons before elementary physics.

Sorry for the possibly poor English, I was pretty tired when I wrote this. Or should I be more concerned with my writing or thinking 

[oguzcan]

Actually Schenkerian Analysis is more about hearing than any other analysis method. 

By the way, you have listed what you wanted to learn; fugues, modulations, substitute chords, harmonization of the minor scale... Actually, it's good that you want to learn these as a performer but if you want to use them in improvisation, especially if it's jazz, the whole thing changes. You have to learn and practice different things.

Anyway, a good web site for fugue;

https://www.kunstderfuge.com/theory.htm

But the best way to break down a fugue is the sing each individual voice while listening or preferably playing. Check out the web site, there's good discussion about fugue theory and a splendid analysis of the G minor fugue of WTC book I. You can start with that if you want.

I'm sure that your books will be sufficient but the best way to learn these is to analyse. Anyway, some links about modulation and mode mixture:

https://www.smu.edu/totw/modulate.htm
https://www.smu.edu/totw/modemix.htm

[pekko]

Actually Schenkerian Analysis is more about hearing than any other analysis method. 

 

By the way...  ...performer but if you want to use them in improvisation, especially if it's jazz, the whole thing changes. You have to learn and practice different things.

Could you give a example?

I'm sure that your books will be sufficient but the best way to learn these is to analyse.

I'm running to the library as soon as I can! I just wanted to see if was missing anything important. And thanks for the singing tip, I always wondered how I could keep my attention in one voice.

[steve jones]

Depends on what you want to do.

For example, if you only want to be able to interpret the pieces that you play, then I dont think that a great knowledge of theory is fundamentally important. About AB gr5 level should be adequate I think.

Myself, Im more of an experimental composer! Iv been into every kind of music imaginable in during my time as a muso. I have an MSc is Audio Tech, so I do all sorts of crazy sound design compositions and stuff. So for me, I try to learn as much about the music as I can, in an attempt to understand it enough to be able emulate and later develop on my favorite works.

On the flip side, Im away that SOME teachers dont believe it is good to study to much before starting composition. I guess they feel it inhibits creativity? Dont know. But personally, I go by the notion that knowledge is power. So the more I know, the better equipped I am to compose and analyse music in as many styles as possible.

SJ