Music Theory x White Supremacy

The votes are in, the people have spoken and I am now under immense pressure to write an article on a super saucy subject. However, sitting in my chair with Cubicolor coming through the speakers and coffee in my cup, it’s my duty to remind you that I am only human. So are you. Juuuust in case you forgot that we’re all trying our best while piloting these meat suits through life.

Buckle up folks…
Now that I have your attention, let’s talk about something completely different… In my experience, South Africa is the most forward-thinking country when it comes to race relations. We, in this country, are far more open and unafraid to speak about race. We’re less afraid to share our thoughts and feelings, and we’re more open to hearing the thoughts and feelings of others, regarding this topic. People in other parts of the world tend to shy away from any discussions about race relations. My Twitch stream is full of humans from all over the world. People leave! They will outright leave the stream if I start talking about race, racism or race cars and then pop back in again to see if I’ve moved on. It’s WEIRD!

Alright, back to the actual topic. Did you know that we live under white supremacy and that music theory is a language? If not, take a deep breath, accept the truth and let’s move forward. Music theory, as we know it, is a system invented by European musicians, roughly 300 years ago. As Adam Neely describes it:

“Music Theory is the harmonic style of 18th century European musicians”.  

Let’s just call it music theory for this article, but bear that in mind.

Music theory is a system we use to give vocabulary to music. Harmony, rhythm, structure and whatever else the kids are doing these days. It’s a way to describe and share with each other what the heck we’re actually doing with the sounds we’re making. It’s not the music itself; we do not need music theory to make music. We make music, and then we apply the appropriate terminology and symbols. Isn’t that fascinating? And so many people think that self-taught musicians are lacking something.

Now, did you know that there are other systems and vocabularies that are used to speak about music? For example, in India, there are two distinct traditions of classical music. The “Hindustani” and “Carnatic” traditions. It bothers me that we typically describe these systems as “traditions” and not “Indian Music Theory”. The Hindustani system uses a combination of Raga and Tala. Raga is used to describe the harmonic series of notes or tones, including microtones. While Tala is used to discuss the measures of time or rhythm. In parts of Africa, dance is an element of expression in the vocabulary to communicate musical ideas.

The truth is that most musical learners are only given the “harmonic style of 18th century European musicians” as the system for doing music theory. We do music theory invented by Europeans as the standard in music schools all over the world. Now, if you search for videos explaining Indian classical music systems, you will discover the richness and complexity of music in a way that will quite possibly blow your mind. This system allows for more notes/tones, for goodness sake. The notes between the keys on your keyboard and fretboard have a place to live in that system.

Okay so now that I’ve written many words and hopefully challenged your brain hole, it’s time to get to the crux of the crucible. Why did I write this, and why is it important? During my ‘Music Feedback’ live-stream, someone said:

“To be a better music producer, you must learn music theory.” 

Another long-time watcher (and rebel) responded with a link to a video that changed my perspective. The conclusion of which is that music schools are teaching 300-year-old content, it is white racially framed and it hasn’t changed much since its invention. While some black jazz and blues musicians have innovated and expanded slightly on the harmonic style of 18th century European musicians, much of the teaching is the same. Oh, and there are OTHER MUSIC THEORIES in different cultures, around the world.

Understanding music theory does not necessarily make you a better musician, it helps you describe what you’re doing for other people to grasp. Never use music theory or any other human-made concept as a reason to doubt yourself and your abilities. I also believe it’s time for us to change our ideas of what is acceptable as the default for systems regarding many things, including understanding music. Especially in the age we live, where things like heavy metal and electronic music exist. Where the sonic boundaries are being pushed far beyond the marks made by Europeans, 3 centuries ago. Perhaps the answer is somewhere in between, as gracefully portrayed by Anuja Kamat’s use of western music theory examples to better understand Hindustani music theory and their differences. Perhaps the rise of African music in the global consciousness will give way for a different kind of system altogether.

It could be time to create something completely new; a fresh, new-age system. One that infuses things like Raga, Tala, dance and other ideas as the ultimate expression. One that has unique words to describe the effects of randomisation in modular synthesis, or shorthand to understand sampling at the 3rd stage of manipulation. How about a symbol to describe the screeching feedback from a guitar that’s too close to an amp? Or shorthand for the moment where that whisper voice comes in, from a vocalist like Billie Eillish, and for what measure. The possibilities are endless. Each major genre is teeming with potential to have a system created. Hip-hop theory, Techno theory, Afro theory - just imagine it!

I encourage you to watch the video by Adam Neely that inspired this piece. If you’re a music nerd like me that loves systems, music systems, or just a bit of rebellion against current standards; follow Anuja Kamat and watch her videos too. If you have anything to add or know of any interesting music systems I would love to know. Please reach out to me at jump.jeronimoh@gmail.com 

Sources:
Adam Neely: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr3quGh7pJA
Anuja Kamat: https://www.youtube.com/@AnujaK20
Enrichment viewing:
Tantacrul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq3bUFgEcb4&t