Feelings First, Then Analysis

We've all heard music that makes us absolutely speechless. Not a word could describe it.

And when that happens in the classroom, usually immediately after the music stops, someone starts talking about it.

Yet you're left truly in the moment, maybe a little bit confused. Maybe you're wondering, "What is this person talking about?"

That's often how a music theory class or even a music history class makes someone feel in school.

It's proof that music activates your feelings and emotions before it gets into your analytical mind.

The Choice Happens Before You Hit Play

So today we are going to vibe on what music gives you. And that's all about the choices you make before you even hit the play button.

Music theory doesn't help you make the creative choices but it can give you some loose instructions on how your choices communicate emotions to others.

Sometimes you choose what's cool with friends. Sometimes you know how a certain song is going to make you feel. Think about it.

When was the last time you picked a song and it delivered exactly what you wanted?

You're gonna choose something different when you need a lift. You're gonna choose something different when you're feeling down. You're going to choose something different when the weather is crazy outside, but how do you make that choice?

It's not likely these choices are rooted in any type of understanding of key signatures, chord progressions, or anything technical. It's all about your emotions, your mood, the day, the last place the song took you, and you are just ready to feel something.

Using your emotional awareness in the current mood is a type of musical literacy.

So Why Do We Need Music Theory?

So why do we need music theory? Because there are characteristics in music that repeat themselves in a way that affects the emotions of the listener.

However music theory is the tool that helps you answer the question, "Why does this affect me in such a way?"

Music theory gives you the vocabulary and the analytical skills and tools that you need to communicate to others about your music. It also gives you the tools to read the giant stacks of music treatises from the 1700s and maybe even understand an article in one of the major music publications like the Rolling Stone.