Is it too late to learn music theory and composition?

Question

I have been playing electric guitar for 5 years and have pretty decent technique. I have a decent ear too (I'm still improving it). I listened to rock guitar virtuosos like Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert etc, and I was influenced by classical composers, especially Bach from the Baroque period, my favorite period. Since I've encountered Bach's music, I have an ambition to compose something, for example Fugues. I know it's pretty hard. For that I need to learn music theory (harmony and counterpoint). I can't read notes by doing solmization, although I know which note is it when i see the staff, but I am aware of many musical terms like intervals. I am 19. Is it too late to start learning music theory and composing? I don't have any teachers, unfortunately. Is it possible to learn music theory on the internet and through books and be a self-taught composer?

Answer 1

Hey there! First off I just want to say you have great taste in music!

You sort of remind me of myself when I was younger. I was head over heels for the shrapnel era.

I was very big into shredding and inspired by the legends like yourself. Paul Gilbert, Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore, Greg Howe, Guthrie Govan, Tony MacAlpine, John Petrucci, Jason Becker, Eric Johnson, and pretty much anyone else that held the torch!

You are very young and have a world of opportunities available to you. Especially now with technology and social media reach. You can find information with a couple of taps on youtube etc.

The downside is most people don't know where to start. It's almost too much information.

So to answer your question, YES! It's possible for you to learn music theory at any age. Regardless of your skill level. I've worked with guys that have played for 40 years had no music theory background, and learned just fine.

Most people know theory to some extent without realizing it. You'll say "Oh that's what that's called!"

It really makes everything connect. The key is to start with the basics. Learn the fundamentals if you haven't already. What's a major scale? How do you build chords out of it? What are stacked thirds?

How do chords go together? This is the bread and butter of music. It's also something that doesn't take very long to learn. That's where I'd start. As far as composing goes, that's another skill set that you'll have to train over time. Composition/music theory is one thing, but it doesn't mean you'll be a songwriter by any means.

Writing music takes a lot of trail and error. Though, like anything else in life with more practice you'll get better. It's something you just have to keep working at. The theory is useless without application. Remember that. This is coming from someone that's played 23 years. I've been around a lot of folks in the music scene and worked professionally teaching for 8 years. I've met some guys that have BAs and AAs that can't compose a simple riff.

So, it's never too late to start training both! Hope this helps you out.

Feel free to reach out to me anytime! I also have tons of originals on YouTube you can listen to if you want an idea of what I do. Search Lester Mitchell Guitar.

Cheers!

Answer 2

It's definitely possible to learn composition and music theory! Many people start later in life then you. If you have to dedication to practicing and being patient the goal of composing your own pieces and learning how music works is achievable.