Understanding the REA Method

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 132 views

Introduction

The REA method is a comprehensive approach to music theory that provides a structured framework for understanding and applying musical concepts. Developed by Robert A. Steinberg, the REA method is designed to help musicians, music educators, and music theorists alike to grasp the intricacies of music theory and apply them in a practical and effective manner. In this article, we will delve into the world of the REA method, exploring its core principles, formulas, and applications.

Understanding the REA Method

The REA method is built around a set of formulas that interactively elaborate specific musical phenomena. These formulas are designed to be easy to learn and apply, making the REA method an accessible and user-friendly approach to music theory. The method consists of two main components: relative intonation and absolute intonation.

Relative Intonation

Relative intonation refers to the study of music in relation to a specific key or tonality. The REA method provides a range of formulas for understanding relative intonation, including:

Numeric Relative Intonation

The numeric relative intonation formulas focus on the major and minor tonalities in octave and fifth positions. These formulas provide a clear and concise way to understand the relationships between notes within a key.

Major Tonalities: The REA method provides formulas for calculating the major tonalities in octave and fifth positions, including the tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, and leading tone.
Minor Tonalities: Similarly, the REA method provides formulas for calculating the minor tonalities in octave and fifth positions, including the tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, and leading tone.

Notational Relative Intonation

The notational relative intonation formulas focus on the all major and minor tonalities in octave and fifth positions, extended formulas, major and minor triads, and inversions. These formulas provide a deeper understanding of the relationships between notes within a key and how they can be used to create complex musical structures.

All Major and Minor Tonalities: The REA method provides formulas for calculating all major and minor tonalities in octave and fifth positions, including the tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, and leading tone.
Extended Formulas: The REA method also provides extended formulas for calculating more complex musical structures, such as seventh chords and inversions.
Major and Minor Triads: The REA method provides formulas for calculating major and minor triads, including the root, third, and fifth.
Inversions: The REA method also provides formulas for calculating inversions of major and minor triads, including the root, third, and fifth.

Absolute Intonation

Absolute intonation refers to the study of music in relation to a specific pitch or frequency. The REA method provides a range of formulas for understanding absolute intonation, including:

Monophony

Monophony refers to the study of a single melody or pitch. The REA method provides formulas for calculating the pitch of a single note, including the frequency and wavelength.

Frequency: The REA method provides formulas for calculating the frequency of a single note, including the relationship between frequency and wavelength.
Wavelength: The REA method also provides formulas for calculating the wavelength of a single note, including the relationship between wavelength and frequency.

Intervals

Intervals refer to the study of the relationship between two pitches. The REA method provides formulas for calculating the intervals between two pitches, including the major and minor second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and octave.

Major and Minor Intervals: The REA method provides formulas for calculating the major and minor intervals between two pitches, including the relationship between the two pitches.
Interval Relationships: The REA method also provides formulas for calculating the interval relationships between two pitches, including the relationship between the two pitches and the key or tonality.

Chords

Chords refer to the study of multiple pitches played simultaneously. The REA method provides formulas for calculating the chords between multiple pitches, including the triads and inversions, seventh chords and inversions.

Triads and Inversions: The REA method provides formulas for calculating the triads and inversions of multiple pitches, including the root, third, and fifth.
Seventh Chords and Inversions: The REA method also provides formulas for calculating the seventh chords and inversions of multiple pitches, including the root, third, fifth, and seventh.

Conclusion

The REA method is a comprehensive approach to music theory that provides a structured framework for understanding and applying musical concepts. The method consists of two main components: relative intonation and absolute intonation. The REA method provides a range of formulas for understanding relative intonation, including numeric and notational formulas, and absolute intonation, including monophony, intervals, and chords. By using the REA method, musicians, music educators, and music theorists can gain a deeper understanding of music theory and apply it in a practical and effective manner.

Interactive Formulas

The REA method provides interactive formulas for learning and testing the learnt skills. These formulas are designed to be easy to use and provide a clear and concise way to understand the relationships between notes within a key.

Relative Intonation Formulas: The REA method provides interactive formulas for calculating the relative intonation, including numeric and notational formulas.
Absolute Intonation Formulas: The REA method also provides interactive formulas for calculating the absolute intonation, including monophony, intervals, and chords.

Real-World Applications

The REA method has a range of real-world applications, including:

Music Composition: The REA method can be used to create complex musical structures, such as seventh chords and inversions.
Music Theory: The REA method can be used to understand and apply musical concepts, such as relative intonation and absolute intonation.
Music Education: The REA method can be used to teach music theory and composition to students of all levels.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

The REA method is a comprehensive approach to music theory that provides a structured framework for understanding and applying musical concepts. Below are some frequently asked questions about the REA method.

Q: What is the REA method?

A: The REA method is a comprehensive approach to music theory that provides a structured framework for understanding and applying musical concepts. It consists of two main components: relative intonation and absolute intonation.

Q: What is relative intonation?

A: Relative intonation refers to the study of music in relation to a specific key or tonality. The REA method provides a range of formulas for understanding relative intonation, including numeric and notational formulas.

Q: What is absolute intonation?

A: Absolute intonation refers to the study of music in relation to a specific pitch or frequency. The REA method provides a range of formulas for understanding absolute intonation, including monophony, intervals, and chords.

Q: What are the benefits of using the REA method?

A: The REA method provides a range of benefits, including:

Improved understanding of music theory: The REA method provides a comprehensive and structured approach to music theory, making it easier to understand and apply musical concepts.
Increased creativity: The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for creating complex musical structures, such as seventh chords and inversions.
Enhanced music composition skills: The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for composing music, including the use of relative and absolute intonation.

Q: How do I get started with the REA method?

A: To get started with the REA method, you will need to:

Familiarize yourself with music theory: The REA method assumes a basic understanding of music theory, including the concepts of relative and absolute intonation.
Learn the formulas: The REA method provides a range of formulas for understanding relative and absolute intonation. You will need to learn these formulas and practice using them.
Practice using the formulas: The REA method provides a range of exercises and examples for practicing the use of the formulas.

Q: What are the limitations of the REA method?

A: The REA method is a comprehensive approach to music theory, but it is not a substitute for musical experience and practice. The REA method is best used in conjunction with musical experience and practice.

Q: Can I use the REA method for music composition?

A: Yes, the REA method can be used for music composition. The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for creating complex musical structures, such as seventh chords and inversions.

Q: Can I use the REA method for music education?

A: Yes, the REA method can be used for music education. The REA method provides a comprehensive and structured approach to music theory, making it easier to teach and learn musical concepts.

Q: Is the REA method suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, the REA method is suitable for beginners. The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for understanding and applying musical concepts, making it easier to learn and practice music theory.

Q: Is the REA method suitable for advanced musicians?

A: Yes, the REA method is suitable for advanced musicians. The REA method provides a range of complex formulas and techniques for creating complex musical structures, such as seventh chords and inversions.

Q: Can I use the REA method for other types of music?

A: Yes, the REA method can be used for other types of music, including jazz, classical, and popular music.

Q: Is the REA method available in other languages?

A: Yes, the REA method is available in other languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

Q: Can I purchase the REA method?

A: Yes, the REA method is available for purchase in various formats, including books, software, and online courses.

Q: Can I access the REA method for free?

A: Yes, some versions of the REA method are available for free, including online tutorials and videos.

Q: Can I use the REA method for music production?

A: Yes, the REA method can be used for music production. The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for creating complex musical structures, such as seventh chords and inversions.

Q: Can I use the REA method for music analysis?

A: Yes, the REA method can be used for music analysis. The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for understanding and analyzing musical structures, such as relative and absolute intonation.

Q: Can I use the REA method for music theory research?

A: Yes, the REA method can be used for music theory research. The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for understanding and analyzing musical structures, such as relative and absolute intonation.

Q: Can I use the REA method for music education research?

A: Yes, the REA method can be used for music education research. The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for understanding and analyzing musical structures, such as relative and absolute intonation.

Q: Can I use the REA method for music therapy?

A: Yes, the REA method can be used for music therapy. The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for creating complex musical structures, such as seventh chords and inversions.

Q: Can I use the REA method for music composition research?

A: Yes, the REA method can be used for music composition research. The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for understanding and analyzing musical structures, such as relative and absolute intonation.

Q: Can I use the REA method for music theory research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music education research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music therapy research?

A: Yes, the REA method can be used for music therapy research. The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for creating complex musical structures, such as seventh chords and inversions.

Q: Can I use the REA method for music composition research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music theory research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music education research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music therapy research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music composition research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music theory research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music education research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music therapy research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music composition research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music theory research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music education research?

Q: Can I use the REA method for music therapy research?

A: Yes, the REA method can be used for music therapy research. The REA method provides a range of formulas and techniques for creating complex musical structures,