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

Hi, it is never too late to learn something new. I was into Yngwie when I was a teenager which was in the 90's as well as many other guitar heros. I was also listening to Bach, Vivaldi, Beethoven and other classical composers. It seemed impossible back then to achieve composing, orchestrating and maybe even conducting my pieces in front of the best LA studio musicians but it did happen. I studied Jazz Harmony and there is a way to figure out 4 part harmony and chord movements which make it possible to achieve these kind of composing goals.