Well, I don't think music theory is a really a "theory" in the scientific sense of the word. Whatever it is, I think it's actually more descriptive than prescriptive--it at the very least provides Western listeners with the framework to understand how music from other cultures differs from "ours." Elitism exists, sure, but I like to think that most musicians (and theory-aware listeners) are more open-minded than that. It's hard to abandon your musical upbringing, nor is it necessarily desirable. I love Neil Young because I grew up listening to my dad's record collection and to him working hi