Music theory is the study of the various elements of music, such as scales, chords, harmony, and rhythm. It does not include the reading of sheet music, but rather the understanding of the fundamental concepts of music, such as the structure of music, the meaning of musical symbols, and the principles of music composition. Music theory can also be used to analyze existing pieces of music and to compose new pieces. It is beneficial to students of all levels, from beginners to professionals, who want to gain a deeper understanding of the music they are playing or composing.