1.1 Ways of knowing about music  (Page 3/4)

In a similar way, music theory is a type of knowledge that lets you think and talk about the way different pieces of music are related to each other and the underlying principles that tie them all together. Music theory helps you think about how to tackle "new problems" (for example, composing a new piece of music) in two ways: (1) it gives you the tools to analyze what other musicians have done and to see how their solutions are similar to, and different from, each other; and (2) it provides a vocabulary for discussing these kinds of problems with other musicians.

There are many different music traditions around the world. Since these traditions have different "rules" for creating music that makes sense and is pleasing, they also have different music theories. For example, harmony tends to be the most complex aspect of Western classical pieces, so Western music theory tends to focus on harmony. Indian classical music, on the other hand, is more complex in terms of tuning, mode, and rhythm, so its music theory focuses more on those issues. Concepts and vocabulary also vary from one tradition to another: the concept of key signature is useful in discussing Western music, for example, whereas in Indian music, the concept of raga is more useful. In some music traditions, music theory is very formal, including many books and dictionaries on the subject. In other traditions, it is more informal, centered on the terms and concepts that musicians use when they talk to each other about their art.

Even if you have never studied music, you may understand many of the basic terms and concepts that are used to describe the music that you like. For example, even if you have trouble defining them, you may understand what is meant when people talk about notes, rests, beats, rhythms, chords, harmony, verses, bass lines, or melody.

Embodied knowledge

You do many, many things each day without consciously thinking about how to do them, for example, walking, talking, and eating. Your brain and body take care of them "automatically" so that you can pay attention to more difficult or interesting things. But if you watch very young children try to walk, talk, and eat, it is clear that you weren't born knowing how to do these things. They are automatic because you have done them so many times.

There are probably other things that you have done so many times that you can now do them without conscious effort, but you can still remember the time when you had to concentrate to do them correctly: riding a bicycle, perhaps, or driving a car, hitting a tennis ball, using your computer keyboard, or finding your way around town. These kinds of well-practiced knowledge, which allow your body to do what is wanted without consciously thinking about how to do it, are called embodied knowledge .

You can have embodied knowledge about music, too. Perhaps you have practiced playing an instrument so often that you no longer have to think about fingerings and you adjust your tuning automatically; perhaps you have danced in a particular style so often that you can do the basic steps without thinking about them. Embodied knowledge about music is useful because it frees your conscious mind to think about the more interesting aspects of the music. If you don't have to think about fingerings and tuning, you can concentrate on delivering the style and emotion of the music. If you don't have to think about basic dance steps, you can think about adding flourishes and variations.