Towards a New Theory of Music

In my opinion, "music theory" is a misnomer. Music theory courses and books are really referring to a theory of Western harmony of the last 300 years, not a theory of music itself. Music theory is more of a history and analysis tool than a means for understanding how to create music.What is missing from music theory is practical application. Knowing the chord changes from the opening to Beethoven's Eroica Symphony hardly teaches you about the incredible surprise and beauty of the main theme's descent into the non-diatonic pitch Db. It's such a cool moment, but no overall theory ever goes into an understanding of why it's so great. You may know that a dominant chord wants to resolve up a fourth to the tonic, but does that teach you anything about how to build suspense and tension? How to create a feeling of climax, or of disappointment? In essence, how to actually command the materials of music for a desired effect instead of just labeling chord progressions and scale patterns?I intend to write a new theory of music. Of course this project will take many years, but I believe that there is a better way to teach composition out there. Unfortunately because I never received said instruction, I have to make it up myself. So it's going to take quite a but of trial and error! But I believe it's necessary if we want to take our understanding of music to the next level, an understanding that has seemingly barely progressed in the last two centuries.A proper theory of music will be:

• Universal - it will apply just as well to understanding James Brown as Bach
• Practical - you can use the lessons of the theory to create great music. As I always say when reading about a new approach to analysis or theory, the proof is in the music! If you can't turn around and actually use the theoretical knowledge, what good is it?
• Comprehensive - it will not only be about harmony but about form, development, rhythm, melody, ornamentation, etc. etc.

What do you think? What have you found are the glaring gaps in contemporary music theory? What do you feel is lacking in your music education?