Re: [Harp-L] Re: Why Learn Music Theory? An Answer...

[Tom Baehr <tombaehr@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Aug 1, 2007, at 6:33 PM, Jonathan Metts wrote:

> There are MANY reasons to learn music theory; knowing how to select  
> your
> harp is a good one.  For me, it's worth learning (or trying to  
> learn!) for
> two main reasons:
>
> 1. So I can play music outside the stereotypical harmonica fare  
> (folk and
> blues).
> 2. So I can better communicate with other musicians in a standardized
> language, rather than a limited set of "harp talk".
>
> I'm not going to say that all harp players should learn theory; it  
> depends
> on what you want to be playing.  But for people who, like me, are  
> often
> frustrated by this instrument and feel constrained by what they are  
> able to
> get out of it, theory is one tool to get out of the box and really  
> open up
> the whole musical universe.
>
> Jonathan Metts
It's amazing ow much some people know without knowing that they know  
it. Learning some theory helps to put names and terms to that  
knowledge. It will open up communications. Learning a little chord  
theory can help your improv, too.

While you're at it, you might learn a little about reading music.  
Maybe not enough to be proficient at it, but enough to worry through  
a piece to learn it off of sheet music or charts. Or compare what  
you're playing to the printed music as an accuracy check.

Tom