Do I need a knowledge of music theory to compose music?

Question

Do I need a knowledge of music theory to compose music?

Answer 1

you probably need to know basics to start. i.e. reading notes, counting, accidentals, etc. once you have those, have at it.

Answer 2

Hi

You don't need any knowledge whatsoeer. if you have a good ear and good ideas, you can compose. Obviously, you will need someone else to transcribe your music if you ever need to copyright it but that is another issue.

Answer 3

What if this question was posted in an Authors and Writing forum?  "I  want to be a great writer, but like I doan wanna lern no spelllin, er grammuh, or orunizin' ideers er stuff to like make a plot - I just wanna get to be like FAMUSS and stuff!"    If you *compose*  music without any clue as to how it is structured, then plan on having a steaming heap of a mess.  Oh, it might sound good to YOU - but oh, I forgot - you don't know anything about how music is structured!!!

WHY would you deny yourself the tools necessary to facilitate the cogent expression of your artistic ideas?  EVERY DAY, I answer questions from people who want SHORT CUTS - they want the product without the education and effort.  The fact you even POSED this question means that the answer is inside you all along - GET SOME EDUCATION in the area in which you wish to work.  

You will get ( and have gotten already) answers from middling musicians (I ain't got no education, and i never hurt me much!).  Are you happy with being mediocre - or do you want to do WELL??  

Answer 4

Formal music has a specific way it's structured.

If you don't understand ABA, ACA, ADA, BCB, BDB etc... then you need to spend a few minutes learning music theory.

HOW can you hope to write music if you don't know music theory?  that doesn't even make sense... If you want to write music, then you have to PAY YOUR DUES and learn how it's written.  I don't consider just slopping anything down on paper and relying on someone who DOES know music theory, to clean up your mediocre work, as COMPOSING... slop is still slop.  If you are going to call yourself a COMPOSER then you need to be able to write down, in proper form, your own music.

Answer 5

If you want to write it down. Yes you need theory.  There is a structure to writing music.  You have to know key signatures, form, chord progression. Is it possible to write down just what sounds good. Oh my yes, but it is a whole lot easier if you know why it sounds good. Get a book, a notation program. I have been using finale for 11 years now. With a computer it helps you to learn on your own.  

Answer 6

Yes