I can't believe I'm even typing this said:Come on, ruggedharbor95, give us the real rundown. From where you’re sitting, what part of music theory is actually clicking and what’s just a total grind? What makes you want to throw the sheet music out the window, and what actually feels like a win? My daughter's asking too—how's the accordion coming along? And how are things going with the orchestra?
For those of us on the outside looking in, this could actually be a pretty useful lesson.
So, here's the deal.
Back in elementary school, I had this one teacher who was absolutely relentless. She was incredibly strict and spent half her time riding my back just because I was... well, me. 🤣 She’s musical and just a natural at the piano. We used to jam together on Fridays and Saturdays, and honestly, it was a blast—we even picked up a few trophies along the way.
Back when I was learning, I was such a lazy bum that I hated the idea of working out. Honestly, I dreaded going to class because I knew I’d probably get chewed out for my lack of effort. But looking back? It was totally worth it.😬}
I actually lucked out with my professor. It’s pretty rare to find someone who actually gives a damn about their students. Most professors these days just go through the motions—they'll listen to you if you speak, lecture for forty-five minutes, and then they're out the door. Done. Finding someone truly dedicated is a total fluke.
At the end of the day, the quality of your education really just boils down to who’s standing at the front of the classroom. If you get a dud professor, you're basically out of luck.
I headed to high school, and honestly, it wasn't because I have any desire to end up like Max.🤣It’s not just about the piano itself; it's about all those years of grinding under her guidance and those awards she racked up along the way. That's what really matters here.
Since I'm heading to a specialized math high school, that’s my top priority right now. Honestly, there isn't enough time in the day to dive deep into music theory, but I'm still hitting up the local conservatory just because I love it. I have no intention of aiming for Juilliard or anything like that—there are already way too many pretentious kids out there trying to prove how talented they are. For me, it's really just about rounding out my education and actually learning something useful. That's what matters most.
Look, music isn't exactly my top priority, so I don't bother diving deep into things like music theory or ear training. Honestly? I just want to pass those classes and be done with them.😳 😬 It looks like you might have cut off there. What were you trying to say?
I’ve got five pianos.
Theory is such a massive drag. It’s all just pedantic, rule-heavy busywork, and honestly, I have zero interest in wasting my life obsessing over these tedious academic hoops at music school. My only goal is to pass the exam this year and get it over with. Fingers crossed. 🤣
I don't know about your daughter, but if she shows even a shred of interest in music theory, I’d suggest handing her Peterson's book. She shouldn't have any trouble getting through it—it's really just a matter of grinding through those few "golden" rules.🙄
I actually had the misfortune of being stuck in a class full of absolute clones, led by a professor who wasn't much better. Unless I'm looking to embarrass myself by pretending I don't understand the basics of harmony, this whole farce just isn't working for me.😁
Same here. I honestly think you’re either born with a deep love for music, or you aren't. It's just one of those things—you can't really force it.
You can't go forcing kids into things once they're older. It just doesn't work.
So, my parents dragged me into the principal's office at my elementary school, too.😬I ended up falling in love with that piano later on, but that’s not a universal rule. It takes time for things to click. My main point, though—and I'll say it again—is that you shouldn't force kids into something just to satisfy your own ego. If you push them too hard, you end up creating a massive backlash, or worse, you just turn them into total idiots. Look at Peterson, for example. I don't mean that as an insult to him personally, but you know exactly what I mean.☕