My post 16 was crossposted with Vieux's 15.
Vieux wrote:
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...because theory is just a way of notating what we hear, and being able to visually see how different harmonies and counterpoints work. Any half decent musician feels these things. Of course they might need some help and direction but nowadays there's just way way way too much theory...
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This is my question: For those coming from a background well versed in theory and history, either formally through early programs, self study, or through absorption from mentors and instructors at what point is college level theory in fact a waste of time?
Personally, son could have and probably should have tested out of all of required theory. He could easily have filled the slots with seminars and music history courses where he had very strong interest, and/or devoted additional practice time. Internal procedures made it time consuming and difficult to test out.
Perhaps lorelei has a valid point.
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a lot of study which found its way into the curriculum because of the permanence of theory and history faculty in music departments/schools versus the applied music faculty
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