The Two-Way Relationship Between Music Theory and Piano Playing

Many aspiring pianists wonder if understanding music theory can truly improve their piano skills, and conversely, how their practical piano playing can reinforce their grasp of theoretical concepts. This article explores the bidirectional relationship between these two critical aspects of music education.

Enhancing Piano Skills Through Theoretical Knowledge

Understanding music theory significantly enhances your piano skills by providing a deeper comprehension of the structure and components of music. Vital concepts such as scales, intervals, and chords become more accessible when presented through the lens of theory. For example, being able to visualize these elements at the keyboard on the spot is a major advantage in grasping the key principles of music theory (see bolded quote).

Practical Application in Piano Playing

Practically applying theoretical concepts through piano playing further cements your understanding. When you perform pieces like Bach's Prelude and Fugue in C major and recognize the presence of double sharps marked with 'x', you understand the notation better. Theory helps in deciphering the music accurately and playing it correctly (see bolded quote).

The Other Direction: Practical Experience Reinforcing Theory

The reverse is equally true. Playing piano well can enrich your understanding of music theory. Even if you are just confirming the practical existence and effectiveness of certain concepts, playing music that goes beyond your current theoretical knowledge can make that knowledge more concrete and less abstract (see bolded quote).

Ancestral Knowledge and Practical Experience

Over the last century, there has never been a concrete, scientifically documented case where music theory has directly helped a pianist with their playing. However, the benefits of ignorance in this context are undeniable. Many pianists and keyboard players have thrived without extensive exposure to music theory (see bolded quote).

Validating Music Theory

It's also worth noting that no concept in music theory is mathematically valid. The foundational arithmetic used in music theory is flawed (see bolded quote).

In summary, both directions of the relationship between music theory and piano playing are important. Engaging with both theory and practice helps in building a solid foundation and deepening your musical understanding. With practical experience, you can better internalize theoretical concepts, and vice versa, the theoretical knowledge deepens your practical skills and allows for a broader appreciation of music.