Musical theory

The body of interrelated concepts that constitutes the theoretical background of music.

musical principles
musical philosophy
musical science
music theory

knowledge

sector-specific

Musical theory is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Musical conductor: Musical conductors lead ensembles of musicians directing them during rehersals and helping them atteining their best performance. They can work with a variety of ensembles such as choirs and orchestras. Musical conductors adjust the tempo (speed), rhythm, dynamics (loud or soft) and articulation (smooth or detached) of the music using gestures and sometimes dancing to motivate the musicians to play according to the music sheet.
Music director: Music directors lead musical groups such as orchestras and bands during live performances or recording sessions. They organise the music and composition, coordinate the playing musicians and record the performance. Music directors are professionals working in diverse places such as the film industry, music videos, radio stations, musical ensembles or schools.
Disc jockey: Disc jockeys mix music from various sources using turntables or a mixing console and play music at events in front of a live audience. They may provide the music on the radio. They select the music played on the radio and make sure that it is broadcasted according to schedule. Disc jockeys can also create mixes for later distribution and playback.
Sound editor: Sound editors create the soundtrack and sound effects for motion pictures, television series or other multimedia productions. They are responsible for all the music and sound featured in the movie, series or videogames. Sound editors use equipment to edit and mix image and sound recordings and make sure that the music, sound and dialogue is synchronised with and fits in the scene. They work closely together with the video and motion picture editor.
Music arranger: Music arrangers create arrangements for music after its creation by a composer. They interpret, adapt or rework a composition for other instruments or voices, or to another style. Music arrangers are experts in instruments and orchestration, harmony, polyphony and composition techniques.
Music teacher secondary school: Music teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, music. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of music through assignments, tests and examinations.
Music producer: Music producers are responsible for acquiring music to be published. They listen to demos of songs and determine whether they are good enough to be published. Music producers oversee the production of records. They manage the technical aspects of recording and editing.
Music instructor: Music instructors educate students in specific theory and, primarily, practice-based music courses at a specialised music school or conservatory at a higher education level, including musical instruments and vocal training. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master in music. Music educators monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance of music practice through assignments, tests and examinations.
Choirmaster/choirmistress: Choirmasters/choirmistresses manage various aspects of the vocal, and sometimes instrumental, performances of musical groups, such as choirs, ensembles, or glee clubs.
Répétiteur: Répétiteurs accompany performers, usually singers, following the instructions of musical conductors in directing rehearsals and guiding the artists in the rehearsal process.
Lyricist: Lyricists interpret the style of a music piece and write words to accompany the melody. They work together with the music composer.
Music teacher: Music teachers instruct students in various musical genres and expression forms, such as classical, jazz, folk, pop, blues, rock, electronic etc. in a recreational context. They provide students with an overview of music history and repertoire, but primarily utilise a practice-based approach in their courses. In these courses, they assist students to experiment with different styles and techniques, in the musical instrument of their choice while encouraging them to develop their own style. They cast, direct, and produce musical performances, and coordinate the technical production.

Musical theory is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Primary school teacher: Primary school teachers instruct students on a primary school level. They develop lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives for the variety of subjects they teach, including mathematics, languages, nature studies and music. They monitor the students’ learning development and evaluate their knowledge and skills on the subjects taught through tests. They build their course content on the students’ knowledge of previous learnings and encourage them to deepen their understanding on the subjects they are interested in. They use class resources and teaching methods to create an inspiring learning environment. Primary school teachers also contribute to school events and communicate with parents and administrative staff.
Mastering engineer: Mastering engineers convert finished recordings to the desired format such as CD, vinyl and digital. They ensure the quality of the sound on all formats.
Secondary school teacher: Secondary school teachers provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually specialist subject teachers, who instruct in their own field of study. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary and evaluate their knowledge and performance through assignments, tests and examinations.
Singer: Singers are professional musicians, skilled in the use of their voice as a musical instrument, with different vocal ranges. They perform for live audiences and for recordings in different musical genres.
Performing arts school dance instructor: Performing arts school dance instructors educate students in specific theory and, primarily, practice-based dance courses at a specialised dance school or conservatory at a higher education level. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for dance. Performing arts school dance instructors monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the dance through, often practical, assignments, tests and examinations.
Journalist: Journalists research, verify and write news stories for newspapers, magazines, television and other broadcast media. They cover political, economic, cultural, social and sport events. Journalists must conform to ethical codes such as freedom of speech and right of reply, press law and editorial standards in order to bring objective information.
Musician: Musicians perform a vocal or musical part that can be recorded or played for an audience. They have know-how and practice of one or many instruments or using their voice. The musician can also write and transcribe music.
Critic: Critics write reviews of literary, musical and artistic works, restaurants, movies, television programs and other themes for newspapers, journals, magazines, radio, television and other media. They evaluate theme, expression and technique. Critics make judgements based on their personal experience and knowledge.

References

1. Musical theory – ESCO