What different symbols mean in MUSIC THEORY*

@awkwardmarina

309.4K followers · usually 2.3K views a post

Views

23.0K

Likes

4.0K

Comments

49

Shares

1.4K

Why it worked

The content subverted expectations by humorously misinterpreting common music theory symbols, creating relatable and shareable memes for musicians and music students. The "wrong answers only" premise allowed for absurd and funny interpretations that resonated with the target audience.

Summary

This TikTok slideshow humorously misinterprets common music theory symbols, presenting incorrect and comical meanings for musical notation. The slides offer absurd instructions for playing notes, dynamics, and other musical elements, encouraging viewers to engage with the humor.

Structure

1Introduction to "wrong answers only" music theory
2Misinterpreting the flat symbol as 'b'
3Misinterpreting a note stem as 'd'
4Misinterpreting 'pp' as a bathroom break cue
5Misinterpreting 'mf' as 'motherfucker'
6Misinterpreting a fermata as a 'b00b' sound
7Misinterpreting a hashtag as a TikTok filming cue
8Misinterpreting the bass clef as a sad playing instruction
9

Original caption

I’m very smart btw #musictheory #musicmemes #readingmusic #sightreading #musicianmemes

More from @awkwardmarina

Their other posts in the index, biggest breakout first.

Misinterpreting a whole rest as a hat-tipping cue

On-screen text

What different symbols mean in MUSIC THEORY* *wrong answers only As you can see, this is the letter "b". So if you see this you have to play the note "b" Similarly, this is a lowercase "d" so you play the note d pp (take a bathroom break if you see this in your music) This stands for "motherfucker". If you see this symbol, you're meant to stand up and shout that in the middle of the song as loud as you can This one is a b00b Obviously this means you use your instrument to make a "honk honk" noise This is a hashtag If you see this in your music, get your phone out and start filming for tiktok Sidewaysfrowny face ): This means play the music in a way that sounds sad. Which is subjective but just try your best This one means it's time to put your hat on the ground so people can throw tips in it