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Music Theory Topic
Would a music theory topic be useful?
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Mouse
September 25, 2019 - 12:27 pm
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@fiddlerman 

In light of the general music theory questions, which is helpful to beginners, and intermediate players, would it be possible to have a music theory section? It would not be specific for violin, viola or cello. Many of my questions, I am not sure where to put because some would be non-instrument specific. Other than the breakroom, there is no place to put them. But, music theory is asked about and is generally asked in a violin specific section. 

I think maybe a few sub-topics in a Music Theory area could be: Reading Music, Clefs (bass, treble, tenor and alto), Time Signatures, Music Symbols (Flats, Sharps, Naturals, coda, etc), Understanding Rhythm and Beat, Any Other Theory Questions. Not saying these subtopics specifically, just mentioned to get ideas floating. I don’t know what would be combined into one topic.

What do you think?

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BillyG
Brora, North-east Scotland
September 25, 2019 - 1:55 pm
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I'm with you on that suggestion @Mouse  ( and @Fiddlerman - good idea from cid ! )

I appreciate such topics have appeared from time to time, just addressing the occasional question on the forum - but a collective spot for generic music theory topics sounds like a good plan.  It is often an area which is just "put to one side" by getting beginners to be able to play basic tunes using simple approaches like "this is where the fingers go" and finger-board tapes, or videos etc and such like - which ultimately hide (or at least don't explain) the physical basis of what's really behind it all.... ( and sure - nothing wrong with getting folks started - no WAY am I arguing against that for a second, but for others with an interest - possibly a good idea???? - I think so )

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Mouse
September 25, 2019 - 7:10 pm
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I would suggest a topic in a theory section called, “Other” for those questions not having a section in theory, if someone does not k ow where their question would best fit. Just a thought.

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AndrewH
Sacramento, California
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September 25, 2019 - 7:26 pm
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I think maybe the best option would be to have two sections: one dedicated to reading music (which covers clefs, sharps/flats, rhythms, etc. as well as any symbols that may appear in sheet music) and/or applying it to the violin fingerboard, and the other section more oriented toward the kind of theory you would have to know for composing and improvising (e.g. chords and chord progressions, form and structure). There might be some overlap between the two, e.g. if someone is interested in knowing how to notate something, it could go in either subforum.

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Mouse
September 25, 2019 - 8:57 pm
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I was thinking to not make it violin specific. Some of us do cello and/or viola, too. I was thinking a general music theory. There are a couple threads in the Playing Violin section on the forum right now. It is just general theory that would apply to any instrument, or no instrument, just music. The specific instrument questions are covered in the learn violin, learn cello, learn viola sections. The fingerboard of a violin would be more likely asked in the learn violin area, as there is now. Just my thinking, just a non-instrument music theory section.

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AndrewH
Sacramento, California
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September 26, 2019 - 2:16 am
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Sure. I suppose most of the forums overlap to some degree.

I was sort of thinking of one trick for switching from violin to viola that might count as a shortcut for sight-reading, namely reading alto clef on viola as if you were in third position on violin.

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Pete_Violin
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September 26, 2019 - 2:25 am
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I do much better if there is a question or specific topic.  General music theory is quite broad.

Some questions to consider:

  1. Is there a clear line to draw from theory to the player's daily experience?
  2. How much in depth should the topic go?  
  3. Should there be beginner or intro to theory and advanced theory topics?
  4. Is the topic so abstract that players are unable to see how it relates to them?  Or should there be an area of abstract theory?
  5. Should there be a systematic method to present theory... i.e., first discus topic A before topic B is introduced?

I think the idea... to present theory... is great!  I also believe that it should be as interactive as possible. If a topic is presented and the general reaction is, "Hmm... that's interesting." but does not go beyond that, not much is discussed or shared.  I think as much Q&A that can be generated will make theory interesting, fun and helpful.  

A specific example might be:  

Topic - Please explain the Circle of Fifths and how I can use it in my learning and playing.
Question: How can the Circle of Fifths help teach the concept of the major and minor keys?

This format is specific, understandable, generates discussion, and is relatable to playing an instrument.

- Pete -

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Mouse
September 26, 2019 - 9:15 am
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Just in case @Fiddlerman sees this before I get back, I have more suggestions, but can’t post them now. So, I am going to get back to this later, hopefully, today. 😁

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Mouse
September 26, 2019 - 10:31 am
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The topics cannot be too specific because most of us would not know where to post a question because we would not understand the preset subtopic name, that is why we are in the Theory Room. If we have a question about timing or rhythm, a preset subtopic  that is called “Understanding Timing and Rhythm” would be easily identifiable. But, if it was called “Time Signatures” not so much because to me, Time Signatures refers to the notations on the staff. We can’t be too specific with using theory terms as subtopics, but subtopics are needed.

I really wasn’t asking for a complicated section, just a section called Theory Room, with some little easy to understand sub topics preset, and one last subtopic called “Other” for those questions that do not fit the easy to understand subtopics that are preset, or that the questioner does not know where to put. The questioner is asking because the questioner does not know, and most likely has little to no music theory. Using nin-elementary theory terms as subtopics is not beneficial to those coming to this section to understand where to put that question. I think it is important to do what can be done to make it as easy as possible to keep it organized so the information can be found by others.

I was also thinking that maybe one last subtopic could be an index. I created one for the cello and have kept it updated as I find more useful information. I am more than willing to do the same for a Theory Room. I would do it the same way, if you have a link to a video, link to an information PDF, etc, just post it as a comment to that with index thread and Incan copy and paste it to the actual index. You can then just delete your post after it is inserted. 

Does this make sense?

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Fiddlerman
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September 26, 2019 - 2:00 pm
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As you might have noticed this topic has been moved to the new, "Music Theory" forum.

Thanks for the suggestion.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

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Mouse
September 26, 2019 - 2:30 pm
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thumbs-up

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Mouse
July 13, 2020 - 5:51 pm
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@BillyG  ?

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BillyG
Brora, North-east Scotland
July 15, 2020 - 8:17 am
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@Mouse - it was "Goodbye" to the mihirmane user with the spam post #12 above !!!

I was trying to be "pleasant" hahahahaha.....  ( I know, I know... red_cursing really.... )

I seriously recommend not copying my mistakes. D'oh - guntohead.JPG

Please make your own, different mistakes, and help us all learn :-)

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MrYikes
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July 15, 2020 - 8:57 am
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Did you know: Spam made it's first batch in 1937. I read recently that they are planning to make their second batch.

ba da boom.

Great idea for a theory section. Where would I put a question regarding the number system of chords and actual notes?

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BillyG
Brora, North-east Scotland
July 15, 2020 - 12:11 pm
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LOL @MrYikes !

Just go up one level from here in the forum to https://fiddlerman.com/forum/m.....ic-theory/ and add your own question as a new topic ("Add Topic" button) with a meaningful title ( or equally, present your own useful-to-be-shared information if that's your plan  )  thumbs-up

I seriously recommend not copying my mistakes. D'oh - guntohead.JPG

Please make your own, different mistakes, and help us all learn :-)

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