Intro to Music Theory
IN THIS LESSON
What is Music Theory?
Music theory is the study of musical possibilities. It explores how music works, from its fundamental components to more complex concepts. Music theory helps musicians understand how sound works and how to create music in an organized, intentional way.
Why is it important?
Music theory provides musicians with the tools needed to interpret and perform music.
For composers, it aids in organizing thoughts and ideas into cohesive musical pieces.
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Burkholder, J. Peter. “Music Theory and Musicology.” The Journal of Musicology 11, no. 1 (1993): 11–23. https://doi.org/10.2307/764148.
Clark, Suzannah, and Alexander Rehding. Music Theory and Natural Order from the Renaissance to the Early Twentieth Century. Cambridge, UK; Cambridge University Press, 2001.
Kostka, Stefan. Tonal Harmony. 9th ed. Columbus: McGraw-Hill US Higher Ed USE, 2023.
Rehding, Alexander. “Instruments of Music Theory.” Music Theory Online 22, no. 4 (2016). https://doi.org/10.30535/mto.22.4.4.