Music, among the fine arts, is the most profound form of art that touches the human soul. In times of melancholy, we find solace by listening to music, while it has the power to calm us in moments of anger.
When we are joyful, we express our happiness through music, and the melodies on our lips signify our elation. In essence, music is a composition, a painting that embeds itself in our lives.
Music that soothes the human soul, like a composition, selects pieces that represent one’s mood, reflecting emotions outwardly. Sometimes, music can bring tears to our eyes, while at other times, it compels us to move.
Regardless of the form, music has played a significant role in expressing our emotions throughout our lives. A world without music, a world devoid of a composition that reflects our life and emotions, would be incomplete.
Fundamental Concepts Of Music Theory
Those venturing into the realm of basic music theory may find themselves unaware that music theory encompasses various subtopics, and deciding where to start might be challenging. The crucial decision lies in determining the starting point.
Alongside music theory, giving importance to solfeggio lessons is necessary. Many musical signs and note details are required during the learning process.
If we elaborate on this, assuming you are playing the guitar, reading music or using tabs may initially suffice. However, for playing more complex pieces later on, these might not be sufficient.
The tabs used might not be adequate for songs at a more advanced level. Thus, to learn the building blocks of music or to enhance your music knowledge, it is essential to pursue higher levels of education.
To quickly grasp music theory, one must consider professional behavior in music and engage in activities aimed at improving quality. Establishing communication with the model is the first rule for capturing emotions in their purest form.
Harmony And Melody Creation
If you feel a shiver when listening to music, understand that it is derived from harmony. The harmony in music is what makes beloved songs distinctive. The question of what harmony is in music may not require extensive knowledge to understand.,
Harmony can be sensed intuitively, as it involves two or more notes played simultaneously. Regardless of your preference in music genres, you will discover a broad range of harmonies.
Two or more notes do not necessarily have to appear acceptable. In general terms, harmony in music theory utilizes principles to create consonances that are pleasing to the ear. Engaging in harmony practices is essential for creating natural melodies over time.
Music Forms and Structures
Modulation and chord progressions are the building blocks of a song. Chord progression allows the development of other musical forms, rhythms, and music structures. All melodies serve as a predictable pattern. Like in literature, where one needs to read the entire book, in music, one must listen to the entire piece.
Just as there are forms in every field, there are also forms in music. The forms performed become recognized and understood by standing out. Sculptures, architecture, and paintings create forms in the visual arts, while in music, forms differ.
Lieders, fugues, rondos, and sonatas are primary music forms. Each form has its own organizational order. For example:
- Concerto: A form where a solo instrument is accompanied by a chamber orchestra, usually conducted by a skilled individual dealing with technical challenges.
- Symphony: A structure consisting of four movements, written for a lengthy orchestra, presenting an extended poem-like quality.
- Overture: Meaning entrance music, it is played at the beginning of a suite or opera.
- Sonata: An important music form founded by Bach, displaying variations within its development. Beethoven’s sonatas are among the most famous.
- Rondo: Comprising the constant repetition of one section, adding a new section to return to the beginning.
- Prelude: Known as an introductory piece, even though some composers consider it a standalone piece.
- Aria: Formed by the union of lyrics and music with orchestral accompaniment.
These forms can be further categorized into Ballade, Nocturne, Romance, Serenade, Rhapsody, Fantasie, Opera, and Operetta.
Modulation And Chord Progressions
Modulation in music, used to change the key, allows a shift from one tonal center to another for a certain duration. This structure prevents the monotony of a piece, excluding simple and short works.
Heykel, painting, and architecture, inspirations for music, allow the use of different instruments in harmony. As in visual arts where color is crucial, different tonalities encountered in a piece prevent stagnation.
Modulation can be short or long-term, and in works labeled as sonatas, the same melody may sound different in other sections. Different methods can be used for changing the key, and modulation termed as diatonic modulation can use a common chord, making it easy.
Advanced Music Theories
Basic and advanced music education programs complement each other in providing comprehensive music education. While theories take precedence in basic music, students are acquainted with the theoretical aspect of music. In education, everything starts from scratch.
At an advanced level, music education does not aim to teach the alphabet of music. Assuming individuals have a basic understanding of music theory, more advanced and complex knowledge and skills are added.
If one wishes to continue on the path after receiving basic music education, they can proceed with advanced music education. Besides, you can make music without receiving basic music education. If you are dealing with music as a hobby, you can elevate it to a higher level with advanced music theories.
The educational institution determines the individual’s level by testing musical skills and knowledge, then decides which type of education to continue. Otherwise, the lack of advanced theories in music could reduce the expected efficiency.
As advanced theories include stage and studio studies, the goal is to move to the level of a professional musician. Therefore, practical information must be included alongside theoretical knowledge to provide enough experience.
- Harmonic System: Emphasizing harmony without assuming knowledge of note information or ear training. Among the challenging topics, the harmonic system forms the main theme of advanced music theories.
- Orchestration: One of the significant topics in advanced music theories, it relies on the harmonic system and polyphony. Orchestrations ensure that different instruments play different melodies, chords, or arrangements harmoniously. The aim is for individuals to understand the functions of their main instruments.
- Turkish Music: Inspirations from Western Music are used when explaining rhythm, note, and harmony systems. The language of today’s music is based on Western Music. Understanding concepts unique to Turkish Music and the structure of Turkish Music may be challenging initially. However, advanced music theories are inspired by tonal structure and the most commonly used instruments in Turkish Music.
- Composition, Arrangement, and Composition: One of the topics requiring advanced theory is composition, which is effective in putting basic knowledge into practice. It helps individuals develop the ability to recognize, analyze different music genres and incorporate skills in studio and stage technologies.
See you in the next post,
Anil UZUN