I remember my Freshman year of college, excitedly signing up for as many music classes as I could fit into my schedule. I was 100% sure that music was the major for me. I loved my voice lessons, and was having a blast singing in a show choir, and then, everything changed the day I walked into my first music theory class.
This class was my first introduction to music theory. I don't know what I thought I was signing up for, but I wasn't prepared for what I experienced. I knew nothing of solfeggio or transposing. Sight reading gave me panic attacks, and the circle of fifths was a circle of confusion. I managed to eek by, and pass a couple of semesters of music theory, saved only by my one respite in this very left-brained class, compositions. By the end of my music theory experience, I had learned two things: music theory did not come easily to me, and I needed to find a new major.
Music has always played a big role in my life. I've been privileged to sing in a copious number of choirs, I've played my music in cafe's and farmer's markets, and my children's schools. I've recorded a cd, and taught guitar lessons to many, all the while avoiding and ignoring music theory as best I could.
The problem is, without music theory, I've reached a bit of a plateau in my music abilities. You can only go so far in music, without a basic knowledge of theory. It's time for me to face my fear, and tackle a little music theory again.
My return to music theory came in the form of a YouTube video, and a supportive, music theory- inclined husband sitting nearby. I watched this very basic video with rapt attention, determined to find some new understanding. Things were going great, for the first few minutes. Intervals, steps, notes, I know all this stuff. I was feeling pretty comfortable, and then the theory deepened, and that familiar sentiment of, "Whaaaaat?", that inevitably comes whenever I'm in the presence of music theory, returned. I could have been 18 again, back in my college theory class. I was uncomfortable. This wasn't coming easily for me. I wanted to quit. Maybe I just needed to accept that theory wasn't something I could master. Thankfully I had a resource. I begged for help from my husband, and with a little practice and explanation, I was beginning to figure things out.
It's funny how if you can find the courage to push through the awkward, clarity and success are usually hanging around close by.
I am well aware that my progress in music theory is minimal, at best. But, I am proud of the little step I took in the right direction. Some of the stigma is gone now, and I am determined to return again and again to the confusing world of theory, until I can begin to find some level of comfort there.
Today's a new day, let's make it purposeful!
Kara
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