Is music theory racist? Adam Neely argues that the harmonic style of 18th Century European musicians has become the default

For many Westerners, it’s easy to conclude that the ‘rules’ of music theory are universal, accepted around the world. However, in his thought-provoking and timely video, Music Theory and White Supremacy, YouTuber Adam Neely argues that this isn’t the case.

He claims that, for many of us, the default definition of ‘music theory’ is actually something else: the harmonic style of 18th century European musicians. What’s more, he argues that there is a white racial frame of music theory, in which the views and ideas of white people are held to be more significant than the views of non-whites.

Neely gives the example of figured bass, a form of musical notation that was widely used in the Classical era but is rarely used today. However, it remains in many music theory textbooks, some of which have barely changed for more than a century. 

He also shines on a light on alternative perspectives to Western theory, such as Non Indian theory, arguing that, unlike mathematics, the language of music isn’t universal, with different cultures, ethnicities and races all having their own views on what music - and music theory - actually is.

Neely’s video has already amassed almost half a million views and started what some might say is a long overdue debate. Check it out above.