This is a formal Request For Discussion (RFD) for the creation of a
world-wide unmoderated Usenet newsgroup rec.music.theory. This is not a
Call for Votes (CFV); you cannot vote at this time. Procedural
details are below.
To express support for this proposal, place a message on news.groups.
Newsgroup line:
rec.music.theory A forum for discussion of music theory.
RATIONALE: rec.music.theory
Several music newsgroups exist, but none which cater collectively
to the needs of people whose primary need is to learn and discuss
music theory. Any current discussion of music theory is distributed
piecemeal among several music groups. Rec.music.theory would
provide a forum where persons with an interest in music theory
could come together to discuss it, without sifting through the
messages unrelated to theory which are found in rec.music.classical,
rec.music.bluenote, etc. The proportion of theory to non-theory messages in
these groups is low, although if all theory-related messages from all
newsgroups are counted, the volume is higher than many newsgroups.
Rec.music.compose does not address the needs of people who are not
composing classical music; it also includes messages unrelated to theory,
such as the job market for classical composers, etc.; and it's theoretical
focus is on composition. Rec.music.theory would be a more general forum in
which musicologists, composers, instrumentalists, performers, singers,
fans, and appreciators may all freely discuss theoretical issues.
Clearly there is a desire to have a place to discuss theory; a jazz-theory
mailing-list recently was started, and in a short time several hundred
people subscribed. It has a volume of at least 20 messages a day sent by
mail. This list is provided strict guidance by its administrator and it will
not include non-jazz related discussions of classical music, nor other
topics not within the list's emphasis. It seems safe to assume there is an
equally large need for a forum for discussion of classical and other kinds of
music theory. Rec.music.theory would provide a solution for all of these
needs, and more. When/if necessary, splits into classical, jazz, etc. groups
may be implemented.
CHARTER: rec.music.theory
This newsgroup shall be for the discussion of any topic related to music
theory. Examples of appropriate topics are: the relationship between
harmony and melody, the evolving role of harmony and melody in western
music, how to derive the modes of a scale, contrasts between theoretical
approaches to composition in jazz and classical music, theory of
non-western music traditions, what a triad is, how to teach music theory,
uses of rhythmic techniques in composition, how theory can guide
improvisation, what counterpoint is, the origin of music, the history of
music theory, and so on. The groups shall be an open and welcome place for
both high-level discussions among those knowledgeable about music theory
and those who are beginners and are interested in discussing the most basic
elements of music theory for purposes of edification.
Commercial posts are strictly prohibited. No post which advertises
for sale any goods or services, whether from a business or a private party,
is to be posted on rec.music.theory. A poster may recommend some
product or service as long as the poster has no financial interest in or
connection to the product or service they are recommending. If a poster
provides any product or service for purchase in any manner, it is not
acceptable for them to promote or extol the virtues of that product on
rec.music.theory, though they may provide direct answers to questions
addressed to them by other posters about the product or service.
END CHARTER.
PROCEDURE:
This is a request for discussion, not a call for votes. In this phase
of the process, any potential problems with the proposed newsgroups
should be raised and resolved. The discussion period will continue
for a minimum of 21 days (starting from when the first RFD for this
proposal is posted to news.announce.newgroups), after which a Call For
Votes (CFV) may be posted by a neutral vote taker if the discussion
warrants it. Please do not attempt to vote until this happens.
All discussion of this proposal should be posted to news.groups.
This RFD attempts to comply fully with the Usenet newsgroup creation
guidelines outlined in "How to Create a New Usenet Newsgroup" and "How
to Format and Submit a New Group Proposal". Please refer to these
documents (available in news.announce.newgroups) if you have any
questions about the process.
DISTRIBUTION:
This RFD has been posted to the following newsgroups:
news.announce.newgroups
news.groups
rec.music.early
rec.music.classical
rec.music.compose
rec.music.makers.guitar.jazz
rec.music.makers.saxophone
rec.music.makers.piano
rec.music.classical.guitar
After the RFD has been posted to news.announce.newgroups it will
be reposted to:
rec.music.classical.contemporary
rec.music.classical.performing
rec.music.makers.bowed-strings
rec.music.makers.builders
rec.music.bluenote
rec.music.makers.songwriting
rec.music.makers.trumpet
rec.music.opera
rec.music.info
rec.music.bluenote.blues
alt.guitar
bit.listserv.blues-l
rec.music.makers.bass
rec.music.makers.guitar
rec.music.makers.guitar.acoustic
and the following mailing list:
discussion-L@justjazz.com (discussion of jazz theory)
Subscribe via: listserver@justjazz.com, put in body:
subscribe discussion-L <name> ( i.e. john@doe.com)
Proponent: Jim Kroger <kroger@ucla.edu>
Mentor: Todd McComb <mccomb@best.com>
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