How long does it take to learn music theory piano

How long does it take to learn music theory piano

I've been playing guitar for a year and a few months and I've just recently decided to take my playing seriously. I want to learn as much theory as I can, but I'm barely learning about the Tritone and my brain is already fried... how long does it take most people to have a fairly complex knowledge of music theory?

How long does it take to learn music theory piano

level 1

I've been studying it for around 40 years so far. I'll let you know when I'm starting to get a handle on the complex stuff.

Luckily, almost none of it is necessary in order to play, improvise or compose well, nor to enjoy music fully. I just study theory out of curiosity, as a fascinating discipline in its own right. I guess I'm just not really interested in the kind of music that requires complex theory in order to get it.
The analogy I like is that being a musician is exploring a beautiful landscape; theory is like studying maps. Useful (and fascinating in its own right) but not essential.

Tip: don't try to make sense of any theoretical concept before you know what it sounds like. Theory is really only descriptive terminology, sets of concepts for discussing music. If you don't know the sound, why would you want a description?

level 2

Thanks for the advice! I'm just trying to form a band, but I want to know enough to start writing songs. I do eventually plan on taking college courses once I get a bit older, but I'll stick to learning what's necessary.

Also thanks for the tip, that makes a lot of sense.

level 1

· 5 yr. ago

composition, computer music

Music theory isn't really something you 'learn' once and then you're done - it's a field to explore and you will never run out of things to explore. There are collections of rudiments that have been found to be helpful to musicians in different styles, and how long it takes you to become comfortable with these rudiments as they pertain to you is really up to you, but I would encourage you to keep learning, writing, playing, etc. regardless of what 'level' of knowledge you think you're at. Keep an open mind and ear and you'll be fine.

level 1

music theory is like a branch of science; you can learn the basics but always there is some new thing and it is impossible to get it all. After some point you focus your studies in certain aspects like form, harmony, rhythm, voice leading...

level 1

I've started learning about 7 years ago, Im still not an expert yet.

If you went to a conservatory or music college, you'd be well rounded in 4 years or so, but those are some intense 4 years and there's a lot to say about the benefits of a structured education.

Give it a decade if you're by yourself or taking lessons and are doing it as a hobby/busy with work and other commitments.

That being said don't give up, you'll get it eventually. It starts to click and build quicker once you find your footing. You also don't need to know a lot of theory to be a good musician.

level 2

Thanks for the advice! I'm putting in a few hours daily, but I do have responsibilities which prioritize my learning. I'm still going to put in as many hours as I can, though. I at least want to get to a level where I can form a competent band.

level 1

I started learning music theory about a year ago now and honestly you can learn all the basics (up to about grade 3) in a few months depending on how much you apply yourself!

level 1

As a performer, I tend to agree that you can learn the basics incredibly quickly. I tend to focus on the concepts that are directly applicable playing and writing modern pop songs. Notes, scales, chords, and rhythm basics are all pretty attainable. I find the part that is time consuming is internalizing all of that information, so it feels as natural as speaking a sentence. That's when you start to feel like an artist, and not just a musician.

I found this site for learning music theory that I really like called Corridor Music (corridormusic.com). You play games while learning, so the whole internalizing aspect is pretty enjoyable.

level 2

I'll definitely check it out, thanks!

level 1

· 5 yr. ago

theory prof, timbre, pop/rock

At college, most new music majors get two years of music theory. During this time they essentially get the basics, and barely scratch the surface of the whole field.

level 1

How much time have you spent studying it? I'm still theorizing 20 years in. (It gets better and better, btw)

level 2

About a week, I'm sill on the very basics.

level 1

It is a never ending rabbit hole. I would advise against trying to understand the tritone just yet -- that's like trying to run a marathon before you can crawl. Jazz theory and Classical theory treat the tritone very differently, and that is one of the most complex areas of music theory that I'm aware of. Books have been written about the "devil's interval." There are many excellent musicians who have a poor understanding of music theory, so keep studying, but don't feel like you need to understand theory before you start making music.

level 1

About a year for the basics plus playing relatively well on your instrument.

level 1

Depends on how much time you invest in it. If you study it casually, as in something pops up every once in a while but you don't go out of your way to learn everything you can, don't expect to be able to recognize complex stuff.

As for myself, I study theory very regularly and try to push myself to learn new things every week and push the limits of them based on my knowledge of it. I've only been studying for about a year and I've learned a lot, and I'm excited to get into the extremely complex parts of things.

It's a lifelong journey if you're invested in it.

level 2

How long did it take you to understand how to form chords?

level 1

Do you have any musical experience at all? How old are you?

level 2

Do you have any

Musical experience at

All? How old are you?

                  - issuh_knife


I'm a bot made by /u/Eight1911. I detect haiku.

level 2

Hardly; I'm only 16 but I really want to start learning it because the concept interests me but it seems so daunting.

Is music theory easier to learn on piano?

Since the piano is somewhat like an acoustic keyboard, you have the option of playing the instrument, even if you know the technical function of the different keys. However, if you learn music theory, the process might become easier for you.

Is piano music theory hard?

Is music theory hard? Although some aspects of Music Theory are fairly complex, there isn't anything inherently difficult or hard to understand. Having experience with singing or playing an instrument is certainly helpful to learning and understanding how Music Theory works.

How long does it take someone to learn the piano?

If you want to be a professional classical performer, you're looking at a minimum of 10 to 15 years of concentrated study with a master teacher, and hours of practice every day. Most people who want to learn piano to play for their own enjoyment can get great results within three to five years of study and practice.

Is it possible to learn music theory on your own?

The good news is that you don't need an expensive teacher or classical conservatory to learn it. You can pick up the important parts of music theory by learning on your own and applying the concepts to your everyday music practice.