The music theory that we are focusing on in this class, though relevant to the type of music, ensembles, and instruments we play, is not the only (or the "best") music theory out there! It is derived from Western (European) traditions and does not function to explain how all music works. Music from all over the globe has its own rules, functions, and notation systems.

Contrary to popular belief, music is NOT a "universal language". It is an art that can be enjoyed and appreciated globally, but not necessarily understood by all who don't speak its native tongue.

Check out this video from Adam Neely, explaining this historical racial and class biases that exist within many teachings of "music theory". ➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡➡

*** As a side note, if you are fluent in the musical traditions of another culture and you see crossovers between that culture and the Western techniques we are studying, Please Share!