Staying on track when learning theory vs learning to play

manpreet Best Answer 3 years ago

I've been learning the flute (very slowly) over the course of the past several years.

I have a hard time reading music because I want to know the "why" about everything. I tried to dig as deep as understanding the circle of fifths. I understand very little about the difference in keys between different instruments and I feel like my attempt to understand this and my attempt to transpose sheet music is hindering my musical education.

On the other hand, I worry that I "miss" things when I just try to play the notes on the page. I realize that there is a LOT to learn in music, but I guess I'm having trouble identifying what I need to be learning and what I need to ignore for the sake of just playing the flute.

So here I am, still unable to play to my (or anyone's) satisfaction.

Would it be best for someone like me to take very formal music classes to quench my thirst for knowledge of music theory while taking basic music lessons for the flute?

Or would I be better off just giving up the "why" about everything and just learn to play and read sheet music (and ignore theory for now)?