Hear hear, Don!! Music is both a science and an art - the language of the heart AND of the mind, so to speak. Composing, improvising, playing 'by ear' satisfies the heart, while understanding and applying the 'theory' behind it satisfies the mind. For me, it's not enough to know that something 'sounds good' or 'works well' musically. I need to know WHY it sounds good or works well! Those answers are found in music theory, making for a more 'holistic' musical experience. And, as you said, those answers open me up to "whole new worlds" of musical possibilities.....

I ... JUST... LOOOOVE ... MUSIC .... (Sorry, had to let that out...)