Should Music Theory be mandatory while learning music?

For whom just started learning music, know that learning it is stressed by instructors. Especially, pupils who are passionate, or who desire to continue with their further studies in music. However, countless students are not interested in it, and prefer practicals over it.They are under the impression that music theory is boring. I believe that theory is an integral part of learning music, and should be taken seriously, due to various reasons that help music aspirants generally and during exams as well.

Firstly, for those who are only concerned about attending music exams, music theory helps you become a better sight reader, master pieces at a faster pace, and in improvisation. With music theory students can comprehend chord progressions, structure of pieces, which can help in predicting how the next few bars will sound like. Additionally, being thorough with intervals will help recognizing them during sight reading. Adding on, the candidate can recognize larger patterns in music, rather than reading each note individually, speeding up the sight reading process. Also, playing few pieces is essential for the exam, and carries lot of weight, as per the number of marks received. The process of learning the piece becomes more effective. Evidently, students will be able to trace out scale repetitions, and this enables to easily memorize long sonatas for instance. Furthermore, it assists in improvisation of music that cohesive, and this may guide your way out of blunders during performances. Finally, learning music theory is beneficial for exam purposes as well.

Second of all,  music theory helps you become a better musician as a whole. Firstly, it is because music theory is a language that music is learnt with. When you perform, others may not realize the importance. However, it makes you more efficient in playing an instrument, as it is like knowing a map off by heart, and you driving. It makes driving more efficient. Also, it helps you to communicate with other players, and share ideas easily, as music theory is the medium of exchange. Adding on, it lets you be more expressive. Thus, leading to greater connection with the music, so you can appreciate if the composer has done anything special. To sum up, learning music theory will allow you to appreciate music more deeply. 

Thirdly, many of the people learning music, would also like to compose their own music. Music theory aids in the process of composing. Additionally it is easier to put together notes which sound good together. Moreover, it allows the composer to easily the change the style of music composed, as similar type of music may be monotonous. In the end, music theory is also necessary in composition.

However, few folk say that music theory detrimental to an individual's playing and composition, and is unnecessary. They consider it as a barrier; regulations set for playing or composing music. Furthermore, opposition informs that creativity is damaged, as musicians may stick to already existing patterns and structures, and will not step out of the boundaries to explore. Especially, since music is a free art form and logic should not be induced into it, as they comment.

Nevertheless, music theory is the basics of music. It is like the grammar rules for English. Evidently, famous modern music composer mentions, in his article "Why Teach Part-Writing", that breaking rules is meaningless if you do not know the rules in the first place. Adding on, it also allows you to dwell deep into understanding music.

In conclusion, music theory is beneficial. It helps you to become a better musician overall, as you learn the fundamentals, and develop your skill using theory. It does help you in music practicals as well. For some, it may be seen as restrictions being put when playing or composing music. However, it allows you to play with music further as basic rules are taught. I believe that music theory is crucial for any musician to learn and expand their knowledge upon, through reliable sources and books like Music Theory For Dummies.