Music theory is the treasure containing the jewels of music. This treasure will help you bring prosperity to your musical experiences. To understand music, you should understand music theory. Music theory is the single answer for all of your musical doubts. Ranging from basic questions, such as What is music? And how is music created? to the most complex ones, all are answered by music theory.
As you enter the music world, it becomes essential for you to study music theory. But this is not always the case. You can learn an instrument without studying music theory as well. The answer to the question, Is it necessary to learn music theory before start playing?, varies from individual to individual. The necessity of music theory is based on the objectives and techniques you desire to use. Studying music theory is not a compulsion, but an opportunity to hone your skills.
Now let’s talk about you. Let’s find out whether you need to learn music theory before you start learning piano or not. Ask yourself the following questions and you will get the answer instantly.
Is It Your Hobby Or Your Profession?
The reason behind your desire to learn piano plays an important role in deciding whether you need to study music theory or not. If you want to learn the piano as a hobby, then you have the option to choose between studying theory or not. If you don’t aim to professionally play the piano, then you can afford to skip music theory and play piano in your leisure time, but if your objective is to pursue piano playing as a profession, then studying music theory is a necessity. To ensure that you have a successful future, it is advisable that you start learning music theory.
Do You Want To Read Music Or Play By Ears?
The technique you aim at employing will help you to find your answer. There are two methods of playing a music piece on piano, reading and listening. You can learn both or learn either. They both come with advantages and disadvantages. When you play a piece through reading, you are supposed to read the sheet music, understand the notes, and then play. When you play by ear, you just listen to the song, try to identify the notes, and then play. If you select playing through reading, then you ought to study the basics of music theory. Without understanding the concepts of music theory, you cannot read music. On the other hand, if you choose to play by ear, you can consider bypassing music theory. However, it is always better if you know the concepts of music theory.
Do You Want To Keep It Slow Or Do you Need A Catalyst?
It is your choice to learn more slowly or to speed up the learning process. You have to decide where you want to invest your time, in your fingers aimlessly lurking around piano keys, or in learning the music theory. When your first step is to study music theory, then all the subsequent steps are quickened and reinforced. If you are aware of the concepts beforehand, then it will be easier for you to create music using the piano. The piano is just an instrument devised to create vibrations, and it’s your responsibility to control those vibrations to perform a beautiful piece. Music theory acts as a catalyst in the learning process. The study of music theory allows you to play better from the start instead of spending more time to figure out how to create a melodious sound.
Do You Desire To Enroll In A Music School?
Learning piano is just the start of an exhilarating journey. If you aim to enroll in music school, then you should start with music theory. A strong foundation helps to build a determined future. Studying music theory will help you lay down the foundation so that, in the future, you are able to enroll in music school. The best music schools around the globe consider only those students who display passion and are knowledgeable.
Do You Want To Perform?
If you plan to perform piano one day, then you might want to start with music theory. If your plans include only playing for yourself and some close people, then music theory is not an essential component. When you perform in front of an audience, you should be perfect in your own way, but you also need to hit the right notes and play eloquently. Your family and friends may be kind, but an audience will be blunt. They will point out each wrong note that you hit. To ensure an accurate performance, working on your skills is essential. And to hone your skills, it is advisable that you study music theory in the beginning. This way, you will understand the music better and play the piano better.
Do You Wish To Create Your Own Piece?
If you just want to play music pieces created by others, then you need not focus on music theory. But if you desire you explore creative depths and create your own pieces one day, then don’t delay learning music theory. You can create music only when you understand how it works. Music theory will help you in creating your own piece rather than recreating someone else’s. Various concepts of music theory will guide you through its functioning and help you plan out the vibrations to build a new melodious combination.
Once you have answered all six questions, calculate the results and you will know whether you need to start with music theory or not. It’s your desires and objectives that will affect your decision. Music theory is undoubtedly beneficial for improving your piano-playing skills. Along with this, music theory helps you enjoy playing the piano. When you know which chord you are playing and you can measure the interval, then you feel pleasure in playing. Knowing your music will always help you create better music.
Starting with music theory is a smart decision, but it is up to you. There is no compulsion in this case. If you want to start without learning music theory, go ahead and you can learn afterward. Learning in the beginning is just a beneficial suggestion; you can study music theory whenever you feel you are ready. In this journey, you have to find your own answers. Some aspects may be generalized, but music is generally subjective. It is you and your personality that influences your path on this journey. You can either learn music theory in the beginning or wait till you realize its importance and study it in the future.
