Question 1

Can I teach myself Music Theory?

Tom Stein · Accepted Answer

It’s certainly possible to get started with learning Music Theory on your own. Most beginners get their knowledge initially by watching videos on YouTube, reading informative blogs, and getting a few good books that explain things in ways easy to understand. (Okay, that’s actually learning from the people who made the videos and wrote the blogs and books.) It’s a good way to start, and getting the basics down in this way shouldn’t be a huge challenge.
However, self-teaching runs the risk that you end up with holes in your knowledge. That can come back to bite you later. Some topics are fairly complex and students make more progress when getting guidance in a structured way of learning. So, it’s recommended to take some classes or private lessons with a good teacher who can make sure you’re getting all the information that you’re going to need later. Studying formally with a teacher might also be a way to assimilate the knowledge more quickly. Music Theory is cumulative and foundational, as you will always build on prior learning and will apply the theory you learn in music-making for the rest of your life. It also helps if you play an instrument or sing well (voice is considered an instrument).

Question 2

Can you learn music theory from a book?

Tom Stein · Accepted Answer

There are some terrific Music Theory guides and books available. Check out Berklee Press, Oxford Press, and Hal Leonard, to name a few publishers. If you go looking for books online you will find there’s no shortage of books to choose from. You might need to be specific in your searches, since there’s a big difference between studying Classical or Baroque Music Theory, and Jazz Music Theory, for example. (Most contemporary Music Theory training is based on the Jazz version, especially recommended for those learning modern popular musical styles.)
Whether learning from books, from videos, or from a teacher, it’s crucial that musicians internalize how the different concepts sound and feel, so it’s not just book knowledge. Intervals, scales, chords, and rhythms all have their own characteristic identifiable sound and “feel,” and the easier you can recognize and label each one, the easier it will be to learn.

Question 3

Is Music Theory difficult?

Tom Stein · Accepted Answer

Music Theory is actually quite simple and easy to learn, especially the basics. How quickly it is to learn will depend on the individual, their background in music, and how well they apply themselves to studying over time. There’s nothing inherently difficult about Music Theory, but as with any kind of learning, it does require a certain amount of focus, and doing some work. Having taught the subject to thousands of students over decades, I’ve rarely ever seen anyone not be able to learn it, as long as they applied themselves and made the effort.
Learning all about Music Theory requires some writing practice, just the same as learning an instrument does. Most people can learn the basics and some more advanced topics in about six months. This would include a 1-hour class or lesson and 1-2 hours of writing weekly.

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