[sailfast]

I agree 100% with this. While you can appreciate music it's hard to be a "buff" unless you can try to understand the effort or absolute virtuosity that goes into playing a really complex piece. Knowing that you like the way music sounds is great, but understanding _why_ a particular harmonic shift / change is unexpected, novel, or unique is even better. That said, understanding that sort of theory takes a lot of work and investment.

If you can't make that investment, I'd say watching some videos about theory, or reading up on production, or technique on any instrument will help gain a deeper understanding. Bernstein did the Norton Lectures in the 70s around a language of music (https://youtu.be/8fHi36dvTdE) but even watching somebody like Cory Wong or Jacob Collier go through their composition, playing and process (there are many other artists that do this stuff to) is great for appreciation / buffery.

[arrakeen]

+1 to bernstein-- his young people's concerts are a very approachable introduction to classical music