If you are asking this question, then think about your playing/singing/songwriting/composing. Could it be better? Everyone's art could be better. Geniuses such as Beethoven and Sir Paul McCartney have a jump on the rest of us; music theory / education levels the playing field.
I view Music Theory as a tool to be used by musicians and others. Do you know chords and scales? Chances are you said yes. Well, then, you know some music theory as it relates to your particular art. But almost everyone could improve - get a jump on the competition. That's where Music Theory comes in.
Music Theory Lessons
These lessons are meant to be studied, followed by the chapter quiz, repeatedly until the individual knows the content and can pass the quiz with a 100% score. The student may take the quiz as an "open book test"; when he/she is comfortable with the quiz, it is taken again, this time in "closed book" fashion. This way it is hoped that the student will learn these lessons completely.
It should be noted that these lessons represent a course in Western music theory. The first two lessons, Introduction: Music Definition and The Science of Sound can be applied to any implementation of the marvelous aural art that is known to us as Music.
Because everyone is different as far as what they already know, these lessons are structured so that a person can jump in where needed. Lesson I is an introduction to attempted definitions of music, and so can be skipped if this does not interest you. I would suggest that everyone take The Science of Sound, as music is conveyed to us through sound, and so we need a basic understanding of it to appreciate music.
Basic Music Theory Lessons
The basic lessons are ones that both listeners and musicians can benefit from. Even if you know something about a subject, I would advise that you visit that lesson to see if there is anything there that is new to you.
These lessons contain historical data, advanced treatment of a topic, and/or a proposal. They are meant for the serious music theory student, and also those that have a bit of curiosity that can only be quenched by one or more advanced lessons. The passing score on all advanced quizes is 75%, and should be taken closed book only.
Comments or questions on these Music Theory lessons should be sent to:
theory (at) midnightmusic (dot) net
This includes comments or questions on the quiz and quiz answers.