<p>At my daughter’s school music theory is very rigorous, and is compared to pre-med science in level of difficulty. It includes musicianship. It is a 4 semester sequence for most students and involves a lot lot of time: lecture, discussion section and piano. Most everyone starts with the first course, even if they tested out of it.</p>
<p>My daughter plays a little piano, but not a lot, but knows a lot of theory. They apparently measured her progress, not her absolute ability, in the piano section. I don’t know if this is true elsewhere.</p>
<p>Many of her teachers have said they also were not good at piano, and found theory difficult.</p>
<p>Some who have gifts in music have trouble with theory. Those who “hear” music and have near perfect pitch can identify notes without using intervals, for instance, so theory class is an adjustment. My daughter often composes without any instrument at all, including piano. </p>
<p>I would question the quality of a music program if it is considered 'easy," but I suppose theory might come easily to some. But those who find it hard are often excellent musicians.</p>