[rapsys]

Excellent quote, and while listening to Autechre!

Originally Posted by Tkow

Why do people grab their pitch forks whenever this subject is brought up?

I've studied theory for 3 years now. Right now I'm studying the post-romantic era where many of the rules established by our musical predecessors are starting to be neglected, but not forgotten.

From personal experience, when I'm creating a melody or progression I don't often sit down and notate it on manuscript paper. What I'll usually do is just listen to the progression, identify what chords are being played, and use that as a means of identifying what direction my musical instinct wants to take me. A knowledge of theory can also help you with creative block too, because you can work your way out of difficult spots or connect different phrases.

Also I'm a big fan of unexpected resolutions and dramatic sequences. It is very helpful to know what works in terms of modulations, chordal hierarchy and mode mixture.

Just be patient enough to get past the fundamentals. The rules seem more restrictive when you first begin studying, but believe me, once you get to more advanced concepts and techniques the world of theory begins to open up into a seemingly limitless end of possibilities.

Listen to some Wagner, Debussy, Stravinsky. They're good examples of guys who knew the rules but still bent/broke them.