I was thinking about studying theory in college, but according to some of my friends in the buisiness, and from what I've read from others and many on this site, is that I may be better off just learning this stuff on my own. Even my guitar teacher has said the majority of what is taught is outdated and not needed in most modern-day songwriting. What I do need to learn, I can just find on my own.

Wanted some other opinions on the matter.

Thanks.

don't bother with going to school for it.
you won't get what you wan't

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Yeah, you are better picking it up on your own, because it'll allow your own mind to come up with it's own idea of it. And you'll be taught from a perspective as well, of what is normal and what is not. The first kinda theory I learned was the Phrygian Dominant/Major scale because I wanted to learn to make Eastern sounds, which is hardly what they'll teach you first. They also give you this horrible view of chords which just complicates things for learning the general idea of chords, at least on guitar.

I did do Higher Music over here in Scotland, but it was only to jump my knowledge of music, as opposed to being geared into a mindset. The teachers thought I had too rebellious a mind to gear anyway.

Theory just works depending on you. It's OK to pursue it and OK not to. Daniel Mongrain puts it perfectly in his interview with The Metal Observer. Some of us feel compelled to know the "logic of music".

Deciding not to learn it because it is apparently outdated, obsolete or doesn't apply is just conforming to a trend, make up your own mind. Of course, you may just reach this conclusion. Remember, theory applies to even simple things like knowing what a chord or an interval sounds like, which everyone shares in really. It is all knowledge of sound. Slayer what sound comes out when you make one guitar play three frets higher.

http://www.metal-observer.com/artic...1&sid=4&id=4594

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The majority of what is taught must be done one step at a time in the right order. You must learn the basics, this "outdated" stuff you are probably referring to (although I seriously don't believe it's outdated), then you can start learning modern music theory. Very few composers today completely disregard the music theory set in place all those long years ago...

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I am likely supporting your point by saying this, but why should the rules change if they have provided a so-far unfailing model of sound and we relate to sounds in the same way.

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good luck

Unless you want to major in music, don't take theory. Learn it, of course, but it's not going to help you anymore to spend money on a class that teaches you stuff that you could learn anywhere else.

But of course, if you need some extra elective credit, it wouldn't hurt to take. it. if you really want to. Plus, you have a teacher there who will actually help you.

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