... how to use music theory to develop efficient practice routines for your instrument(s), goals, and current abilities. — jazz musician of 25 years (this cal

... how to use music theory to develop efficient practice routines for your instrument(s), goals, and current abilities. — jazz musician of 25 years (this calculus metaphor is pretty far off - music theory in practice, by a working jazz musician, doesn’t involve “manipulation of symbols”, at least not in the same way as one works mathematical problems and proofs. it involves a lot of time on your instrument, applying theory in practical and experiental ways. oftentimes we will write out a lead sheet, or transpose something, and use theory to do that. and so there’s some calculations happening. it becomes second nature with practice).