Lots of people have asked this question when taking lessons. As an professional musician/composer who also provides Los Angeles and Orange County piano lessons, guitar lessons, voice and music lessons I thought an article dedicated to answering this question was in order.

Not many people understand what music theory is all about when taking music lessons. As a teacher of music, no matter what instrument: piano, guitar, drums, voice or violin, theory is definitely important but the question is how much theory is relevant?

Having played and studied classical music for no less than 12 years, music theory was not always my forte. The theory I understood extended only to reading notes and rhythm which allowed me to play the piano. Any theory beyond the basics such as the circle of fifths and fourths and I, IV, V chord progressions did not sit well with me.

I knew what a IV chord was and was able to tell you the circle of fifths but it was only because I memorized it. I didn’t understand it’s true significance or meaning. If your reading this, you probably don’t really know what I’m talking about either, especially if you don’t play an instrument but one thing is for sure: being able to memorize this information did nothing to make me a better pianist.

10 years later after I started my music career and after I learned how to improvise and write music on my own I started appreciating music theory only after learning it over. Imagine, I could have used that time to do something else…play video games, play basketball, watch TV. If I only knew!

So yes, it is beneficial to know music theory, but if your chief aim is to just be a great piano player it would be better to focus your attention on just the crucial technique and theory that will help you achieve your goal. Anything beyond that, especially for a child may just be additional work.

The basics of theory such as note reading, rhythm, dynamics etc. that pertain to playing a piece should be focused on instead. These are my thoughts as a piano teacher, professional keyboardist music producer and composer. I’m sure not all teachers would agree me but I’m entitled to my own opinion

Click here for piano improvisation tips. Learn to improvise in a few short hours. We also provide in home privatepiano lessons, guitar lessons, voice lessons, bass lessons, drum lessons throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.

Technorati Tags: learning an instrument, learning bass, learning guitar, learning music, learning piano, Music, Music & Music Players, music education, piano lessons, playing piano tips, tips for playing an instrument, tips for playing the guitar