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Re: OT: Music School/Theory



> So yes it think its definitely possible to degrade your favorites after 
> learning theory but if you can remind yourself that music doesnt have to 
> be complex or text book you will regain that joy but in a more 
> knowledgeable state.
> 


I grew up in Oklahoma where the best coffee you could get came from the 
Waffle House-- I loved it man.  Now--I can't drink that sh#t anymore after 
25 years of west coast coffee exposure. 

I was once absolutely nutso for any kind of complicated music- Mahavishnu 
Orchestra was too light for breakfast.  I needed King Crimson's most 
dissonant and nauseating guitar knot in order to feel cool enough to face 
the day.  I did not know theory then. I could not identify the time 
signature or the harmonic content of the progressive music that I aspired 
too.  

This was back before I put a lot of effort into becoming a part 
musician--A simple hook worshiper who put the groove above the move (Thank 
you Walker Bros- my greatest mentors in this regard.)  
It was a humbling pursuit and it is also how I really came to be serious 
about understanding the building blocks of music. Its interesting to note 
that theory, though increasing my capacity for musical complexity, also 
increased my capacity for musical diversity and my appreciation for 
musical accessibility.  My own music became simpler.  I did not loose 
appreciate for complexity but gained appreciation for wider field of art.  
 

Don't get me wrong. Some of my favorite playas can't count or read or 
orchestrate.  Bela Fleck.  All ear.  One is not better than the other in 
my view. But --  fear of theory seems like fear of spelling to me.  Not 
necessary.  She don't bite.  Its bad teachers who bite. Now there is a 
good OT thread.  Best/Worst Teach You Ever Had

D  



On Feb 17, 2012, at 4:18 PM, Gmail wrote:

> I think it's definitely possible. It somewhat happened to me. After 
> getting into a classical song that I learned for piano, I suddenly found 
> myself looking down on dubstep and other electronic music i previously 
> loved. I've managed to, with hopes and prayers, force myself back in 
> love with electronic music and now I have a broader appreciation for 
> many music genres. So yes it think its definitely possible to degrade 
> your favorites after learning theory but if you can remind yourself that 
> music doesnt have to be complex or text book you will regain that joy 
> but in a more knowledgeable state.
> 
> Kaylon
> 
> On Feb 17, 2012, at 4:02 PM, Teddy Kumpel <teddykumpel@mac.com> wrote:
> 
>> quite the opposite is true for me
>> 
>> On Feb 17, 2012, at 6:59 PM, Kevin Cheli-Colando wrote:
>> 
>>> So, a corollary of a question.
>>> 
>>> If knowing too much about music theory isn't a detriment to one's
>>> playing (seems to be the consensus that it shouldn't be), is it
>>> possible that too much theory, etc., is a detriment to your listening?
>>> 
>>> Has anyone here found themselves unable to enjoy music they could have
>>> once upon a time before they knew about the structures of music?  Or
>>> that they enjoyed things less once they understood the workings (or
>>> lack of workings depending on the music)?
>>> 
>>> Just a random question to send you off to the weekend.
>>> 
>>> Kevin
>> 
>