Theory of music
From www.oscarvandillen.com
Contents |
Definition
Theory of music is the practical science which studies the structural functioning of music. It is mostly studied by musicians.
It is a science, because it researches, classifies and evaluates musical phenomena, structures and elements, creating models for explanation and prediction.
It is also a practical science, since many evaluations can only be done by experiments in human hearing or performing.
World music theory
Theory of music is not an exclusively Western science, many other traditions of world music have developed and maintained their own theories.
For the purpose of this website, these will be collected as World music theory.
History
The written history of theory of music is unique in many continents, and goes back millennia. The unwritten history is difficult to trace, because it is based on the many oral traditions that abound in music, also in literate parts of the world.
Partial fields of study
Theory of music can be divided into many partial fields of study, including:
Related fields of study
Theory of music can be part of related fields of study, such as:
Alternative theoretical models
Some composers developed their own systems of theoretical thought; especially when these were more like procedures for creating music (instead of for general analysis), these were often not incorporated into the generally taught theory of music. Some alternative theoretical models have entered main stream music education.
Below are some alternative theoretical models and systems:
- Schenkerian analysis
- Dodecaphony
- Serialism
- Set theory
- Tone clock
- Lydian chromatic concept of tonal organization
See also
- Contemporary classical notation
- Book of exercises
- Category:Theory of music - all currently available articles on theory of music
