One of the most controversial and disputed opinions in the music industry regards the study of music theory and how it constricts songwriters to a specific framework, which if stepped out of would be equivalent to breaking the law of the musical world. But is an in-depth understanding of theory even required to create quality music? Is it possible to create attractive, appealing song melodies without having a strong background in music theory? I strongly believe so, even as an upholder of the benefits of understanding the rudiments of music. And every so often, I feel the need to address the issue of creativity and theory.
While browsing through the many internet music forums it is not a rare occurence to stumble upon questions like , “Can I appropriately use this chord in that song?” or “Am I allowed to [insert musical idea here].” People want to know if music theory “permits” their own musical brainwave to exist. Are they going to offend the very same maestros they one day strive to be like, by not following the pre-existent musical guidelines?
My answer to that question is “who cares?” Music theory was never meant to tell people exactly how or what to compose. However, music theory has its place, and I believe that artists who have this knowledge benefit greatly, not because they are confined but rather that they have the ability to express their creativity in the most effective way possible. The story that music theory stunts creativity is nothing short of an absurd myth. And because theory teaches you common musical constructs and motifs, and explains how and why they work, the study of music theory improves your ear. This makes the unavoidable process of selecting, rejecting and modifying musical ideas much more efficient.
Nevertheless, is it possible to become a world renowned, multi-platinum artist while knowing zilch about theory? Absolutely, for the simple reason that composition fuels theory, and not the other way around. Composers often break and bend conventions to create music they would like to hear, without any assessment of how other people may react to it. Without these uncalculated risks we would perhaps still be listening to the same classical and romantic era pieces, which are despised by the vast majority of youth today. Theory merely explains; it doesn’t dictate.
The study of music theory only gets a bad rap in songwriting circles because there is a common tendency for theory-trained musicians to limit themselves to what they understand. This flawed thinking leads them to dismiss potential hits because they don’t want to associate themselves with “impure” songwriting. This is sad; it’s like an artist not using a color on their palette just because they don’t know what to call it.
