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this assumes the position that the pre-eminence of the even-tempered music based on european art music traditions and the associated staff notation. this is extremely limiting when considering the breadth of music that exists in the real world.

this is a theory of music, and while most pedagogy will reinforce the special position of this system, it is not THE theory of music. there are alternative systems of notation. there are harmonic systems that incorporate tones that do not exist in even tempered western scales. there are drumming traditions that are taught and passed down by idiomatic onomatopoeia.

this is especially apparent in electronic music where things like step sequencers obviate the need to know any western music notation to get an instrument to produce sound.

the western classical tradition is a pedagogically imposed straight jacket. its important to keep a more open mind about what music actually is.




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