WHY learn music theory?? who needs it... really

[dcstudio]

Make sure you know your theory vocabulary 100% before you start throwing them around trying to sound smart!   

Pay attention in theory class!  or this could happen to YOU! 



So we are auditioning a drummer for the band...I asked him to tell me about himself...

BLAH BLAH--"I think I would be the best drummer for your band because I know words like 'augmented'  ...

ME:  Really, cool...so go ahead and tell me what augmented means

Drummer: ...looking shocked and embarrassed--...well, I don't know what it means but..

Me: (trying not to laugh hysterically ) Ok then-- I will take into consideration that you are able to say augmented 

GOOD GRIEF! 

guess he though he would impress me with his vast knowledge of music theory and it only served to make him look like a moron---TRUE STORY

[p2u_]

BLAH BLAH--"I think I would be the best drummer for your band because I know words like 'augmented'  ...

ME:  Really, cool...so go ahead and tell me what augmented means

Drummer: ...looking shocked and embarrassed--...well, I don't know what it means but..

Hm... I'm surprised. I thought everybody knew that an augmented fifth is a 36-ounce bottle...

Funny music definitions. 

Paul

[keypeg]

An argument for theory is contained in the question that is nearby.  https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=49909.0
The person asks about a measures which contains both Cb and C# without an accidental cancelling the previous flat - is that C# correct.  We get various answers: whether most other editions have a C#, whether it just sounds right that way, and that if you're experienced you'll just know with advanced music.  But theory + ear gives the clue.  The passage traces out a Bb7 chord in the RH, and the C# leans into the D, with the semitone creating a strong movement into the main notes, plus one passing tone. So here's one "why" right on our doorstep.

[dcstudio]

Hm... I'm surprised. I thought everybody knew that an augmented fifth is a 36-ounce bottle...

Funny music definitions. 

Paul

lol...me too. 

[yale_music]

I have an article forthcoming in Clavier Companion on just this issue called "A Case for History and Theory in the Practice Room". I'll try to post a copy once it's published.

[dcstudio]

yes.   are you spamming your publication?  sorry-- I love theory majors.  please post it I am in agreement with you...

just in a weird mood.

[pianoplunker]

Hm... I'm surprised. I thought everybody knew that an augmented fifth is a 36-ounce bottle...

Funny music definitions. 

Paul

Ha Ha I have trouble with with theory. I keep forgetting that "parallel" fifths is not a reference to drinking two fifths at a time

[pianoplunker]

Make sure you know your theory vocabulary 100% before you start throwing them around trying to sound smart!   

Pay attention in theory class!  or this could happen to YOU! 



So we are auditioning a drummer for the band...I asked him to tell me about himself...

BLAH BLAH--"I think I would be the best drummer for your band because I know words like 'augmented'  ...

ME:  Really, cool...so go ahead and tell me what augmented means

Drummer: ...looking shocked and embarrassed--...well, I don't know what it means but..

Me: (trying not to laugh hysterically ) Ok then-- I will take into consideration that you are able to say augmented 

GOOD GRIEF! 

guess he though he would impress me with his vast knowledge of music theory and it only served to make him look like a moron---TRUE STORY

You must have made that drummer feel so .. diminished

[dcstudio]

actually... he played better than anyone else...  so we hired him lol.

[pianoplunker]

actually... he played better than anyone else...  so we hired him lol.

LOL, that is cool .   Hopefully he wont continue to be a "moron"

[dcstudio]

no he was still a total moron. lol.   but that's the way it goes. 

guy could sure play though...  if just would have skipped the whole "I know augmented" thing.. ya know.

totally unnecessary.