Music theory

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Music theory is the study of the practices and possibilities of music.

Description

It generally derives from observation of how musicians and composers make music, but includes hypothetical speculation.

Most commonly, the term describes the academic study and analysis of fundamental elements of music such as pitch, rhythm, harmony, and form, but also refers to descriptions, concepts, or beliefs related to music.

Because of the ever-expanding conception of what constitutes music (see Definition of music), a more inclusive definition could be that music theory is the consideration of any sonic phenomena, including silence, as it relates to music.

Musicology

Music theory is a subfield of musicology, which is itself a subfield within the overarching field of the arts and humanities.

Etymology

Etymologically, music theory is an act of contemplation of music, from the Greek θεωρία, a looking at, viewing, contemplation, speculation, theory, also a sight, a spectacle.

Areas of interest

Music theory is often concerned with abstract musical aspects such as tuning and tonal systems, scales, consonance and dissonance, and rhythmic relationships

There is also a body of theory concerning such practical aspects as the creation or the performance of music, orchestration, ornamentation, improvisation, and electronic sound production.

Music theorist

A person who researches, teaches, or writes articles about music theory is a music theorist.

University study

University study, typically to the M.A. or Ph.D level, is required to work as a music theorist in a university.

Methods of analysis

Methods of analysis include mathematics, graphic analysis, and, especially, analysis enabled by Western music notation.

Comparative, descriptive, statistical, and other methods are also used.

History of music theory

The development, preservation, and transmission of music theory may be found in oral and practical music-making traditions, musical instruments, and other artifacts.

For example, ancient instruments from Mesopotamia, China, and prehistoric sites around the world reveal details about the music they produced and, potentially, something of the musical theory that might have been used by their makers (see History of music and Musical instrument).

In ancient and living cultures around the world, the deep and long roots of music theory are clearly visible in instruments, oral traditions, and current music making.

Many cultures, at least as far back as ancient Mesopotamia, Pharoanic Egypt, and ancient China have also considered music theory in more formal ways such as written treatises and music notation.

See also

External links