Do you believe one can know "too much" theory?

[Tupac]

Hi! It's a common discussion between musicians that learning too much theory can influence the creative mind behind a player. Do believe in that idea, and that there should be a cap on the amount of theory one should learn? Do you think that learning too much theory can "taint" someone's creativity? I thought it would be interesting to get a professional's opinion on this.



This question is for both Mr. Lawson and Mr. Manring.

 

[Dr Steve Lawson]

hello!

I don't think there's any such thing as 'too much theory', but there can be a problem with over-emphasising sticking to the 'rules' over playing what sounds good. Knowing about the way that music is made - the systems, ideas, approaches and idioms, as well as the non-musical/cultural influences on it - is all there to help you understand music more and hopefully make better decisions about what it is you want to do and the kind of things you'll need to practice and develop in order to make the music that makes sense of your world.

Music being an artform not a science means that there's no strict correlation between 'learning' and brilliance, and it is definitely possible to learn 'music facts' for the wrong reason, but it's surely not a case of knowing 'too much theory'.

In the final analysis, music either sounds good to the listener or it doesn't. Your process is key to you making the best music you can, but the your listeners mostly just want to hear the end result

Steve
— Steve Lawson: Bass 2.0 — the soundtrack to the day you wish you'd had

 

[Michael Manring]

I agree with Steve. I think it's difficult to make a convincing argument for ignorance in any field as rich and profound as music. In my opinion, if you're interested in making deep and compelling music you're better off knowing as much as you can. It's a good idea at least to know enough to avoid common mistakes that cause you to make music that's more trite than you intend.

 

[sound of bass]

Learning is limitless.

 

[Dr Steve Lawson]

"I think it's difficult to make a convincing argument for ignorance in any field as rich and profound as music."

I just posted this quote across to Twitter - that's about as succinct an appraisal of the situation as I can possibly imagine

Steve

 

[Tupac]

Thanks!

 

[skwee]

No--but I'd say (and I've worked with musicians) that have lost a sense of taste about it, either in their artistry or composition.

 

[jazzlake]

Knowledge is important. Music theory is there to help explain the sounds we hear. Many use it as a way to construct their music. It should aid in growth and in the formation of art. That is the difference between a technician and an artist. I would rather be an artist and, I know a LOT about theory. Unfortunately, I am but a mediocre bassist these days.

Just because you know how to put crap in a casserole doesn't mean you have to do it.