3. "you need the type of theory that can be picked up from listening." In response to In response to 0
if you are just a casual fan of music then please don't even bother...lol...your beats will probably sound wack. my best advice is try to re-create/emulate some basic beats before you start trying to go all "innovative". most "innovative" by novices are garbage.
p.s. piano lessons will put you in a whole other realm. that's my plan for 2007. master the keys.