Stereotypically, the study of music theory and harmony is viewed as a moderately-severe form of torture. (It’s not that bad, really! I think it’s fun. Oh, don’t look at me like that…) There are many reasons, however, to undertake such study, despite the aggravation and struggle sometimes involved. Here is a brief overview of five of them:
- You will learn your pieces more quickly
When you can recognize that certain passages are built on specific scales, chords, or sequences, it makes the music easier to learn and remember. Instead of having to learn each note individually, you can look at it in larger units: a major-triad arpeggio, a chord progression in Alberti bass, or a sequence of scales. And if you have been practicing your technique, you will have already played many of those elements on their own, so all you need to do now is incorporate them into the context of the piece.
- You will play your pieces more convincingly
Understanding the harmonic and structural framework of a piece will give you insight into how to interpret it musically. Perhaps there is an unexpected chromatic chord that could be emphasized slightly, or an ascending sequence in which each repetition could be played at an incrementally greater dynamic.
- You will more fully understand and appreciate the music you listen to
Familiarity with a composer’s musical language gives you a clearer understanding of what the composer is trying to communicate in the music; you have a contextual framework in which to view each element of the composer’s style, rather than having to evaluate each technique in isolation. You will be able to hear and identify more of the musical details, including cadences, modulations, and repetition of thematic material.
- You will improve your ability to improvise
Whether it’s jazz improvisation, making up harmonies at a sing-along, or recovering from a memory slip during a performance, understanding the fundamental principles of harmony (basically, what notes go together in various contexts) gives structure to your improvisation and lets you know in advance what would be likely to sound good.
- You will develop the skills to create your own arrangements
Is there a folk or popular song you’d like to arrange for solo piano? A hymn you want to harmonize for your church choir? Writing four-part choral arrangements is a key component of the formal study of harmony, and the principles learned from choral settings can be extended to instrumental writing as well. Taking this a step further, you can even compose your own original music, using the guidelines of your theory and harmony studies as a framework which you can follow as much or as little as you like.
These are just a few of the benefits of learning theory and harmony. You can also impress your friends by telling them all about the échappée-style dominant 13th chord at the final cadence of the latest piece you’re working on. (What’s that? Your friends don’t care? Don’t worry, mine don’t either.)
Happy studying! Really!