From the course: Music Theory for Songwriters: Harmony

Why music theory?

From the course: Music Theory for Songwriters: Harmony

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Why music theory?

- Traditionally, the study of music theory is reserved for the worlds of classical and jazz music. There's also a line of thinking, that learning the way music works will somehow lessen one's capability for inspiration, and force a set of rules onto the songwriting process. Instead, I've found that rather than ruin the mystique of the process, music theory gives me a deeper insight into why certain songs sound good, or bad. Or perhaps, most importantly, why I like them. Music theory is a toolkit for songwriting, not a rulebook. Just as you wouldn't try to build a house, without an understanding of architecture, learning the common practices of song construction can only help make you a better songwriter. Furthermore, by expanding your awareness of the vast harmonic palette at you disposal, it's my hope you'll be inspired to write new and exciting types of songs you never would have thought of before. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide the ways you want to use the tools of music theory. There is no right or wrong when it comes to songwriting. All that matters is what sounds good to you, and to the people listening to your song. Music theory will help you not only understand how to write the types of songs you wanna write, it will show you techniques to better connect your song's message to the listener.

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