Logic of Theory

[Will Kirk]

this little thought pattern has helped me alot in my theory studies

Music is like a puzzle, all the little pieces fit

And it does, and for me this thought pattern makes it alot easier to learn something new

anyone else have a thought pattern like this?

[MaestroX]

When i'm composing I see composing as a puzzel too. Each part having a problem and a solution. Both Harmonically and through structure. Its strange they way we think of it to be honest. When I'm studying harmony or counterpoint I'm trying to find a solution to a problem, which may be a number of different harmonic problems but there is always a solution.

[reith]

I think like this when the music runs into a problem, like the phrasing doesn't sound balanced or a progression won't naturally come right. Or when I'm trying to suss out how something's been been scored or harmonised when I haven't got a score.

[Gryvix]

I don't see it as much a puzzle, but as a painting. A puzzle is recreating, a painting is creating something new. Arranging something is a puzzle.
Composing is like painting, first making sketches and then filling all the details in till it is finished.

[MaestroX]

Originally Posted by Gryvix

I don't see it as much a puzzle, but as a painting. A puzzle is recreating, a painting is creating something new. Arranging something is a puzzle.
Composing is like painting, first making sketches and then filling all the details in till it is finished.

But what if you can't get the colours right? Do you not need to scratch your head until you find the solution?
Finding the right balance of colours and effects is a problem that needs to be overcome

[Will Kirk]

Originally Posted by MaestroX

Finding the right balance of colours and effects is a problem that needs to be overcome

I agree, a painting is more of a creation. Theory has been there for a long time, it's just a matter of seeing what's there

[MaestroX]

I do agree I just think every needs theory behind them in order to create somthing really good.

[Thorolf]

Originally Posted by MaestroX

I just think every needs theory behind them in order to create somthing really good.

With “Music Theory”, I assume that the lot of you mean counterpoint, harmony etc. And here I disagree.

You will obviously need to have a smattering about register, playability and sound to make something sound fairly like in your head, but when it comes to the sounding result, all you need for choice of tonality, harmony and melody, is your ears and a lot of attention.

And when you’re creatively stuck, it’s likely a reaction to the fact that it can be immensely difficult to write really good music. At least it’s just as likely a reaction to this, than lack of theoretical backgrounds…

Regards

[Will Kirk]

Originally Posted by Thorolf

With “Music Theory”, I assume that the lot of you mean counterpoint, harmony etc. And here I disagree.

You will obviously need to have a smattering about register, playability and sound to make something sound fairly like in your head, but when it comes to the sounding result, all you need for choice of tonality, harmony and melody, is your ears and a lot of attention.

And when you’re creatively stuck, it’s likely a reaction to the fact that it can be immensely difficult to write really good music. At least it’s just as likely a reaction to this, than lack of theoretical backgrounds…

Regards

Well I think it's a balance of both, you can't just have an immense knowledge of one and not the other. Theory explains why certain harmonies/intervals etc. Sound good together. And theory can also help you understand the intricacies of music. Like what chord progressions/harmonies are allowed and such.

Like I said, a balance is best in my opinion

[Majesty]

I too believe that balance should be the goal. It seems that music must touch the intellect and the soul. As beings that have both, we should satisfyl both. When I compose, I see the process as an act of creation that includes problem solving.