Teaching Music Theory

Removing the Music Theory Stigma

Let's face it, music theory gets a bad rep. Many students (and even teachers) groan when it comes to that part of the lesson.

But why? Music theory is really just the language of music so what is it that makes it dry and dull?

Worksheets are mostly to blame for this, I think. Theory should not be synonymous with boring and repetitive worksheets.

Music Theory Needs a Rebrand

The first thing we need to do is give music theory a bit of a face-lift. For starters, let's stop calling workbooks "theory" and start calling them "written work" – 'cause that's really what we mean when we say that.

Then, let's apply the phrase "music theory" to a much more diverse palette of in-lesson and at-home activities. And, moreover, let's teach music theory in a way that scaffolds our students' learning and makes playing awesome music easier so that they see it as a helpful aid, not a chore.

Teaching music theory should represent a smorgasbord of tactics.

Fun Tactics for Teaching Music Theory

The best music theory teaching tactics are interactive and engaging. When we make these concepts come to life, our students are more likely to retain them for the long-term.

Music Theory Games

If this is your first time on the Colourful Keys blog then there's something you should know about me: I'm really passionate about games-based teaching. (But if you've been around even a wee while I'm sure you already know that!)

Games have the power not only to make music theory more fun but also to make our students' understanding of music theory more elastic.

Elastic or flexible knowledge can applied in many different contexts and used to figure out new concepts. Games provide a great opportunity for this type of learning since students naturally need to puzzle through part of the game by themselves and learn from the other players as they go.

Singing Music Theory

I'm no Kodály expert, but I definitely believe in the power of singing to teach us about music. The voice is our baked-in instrument and it's the most intuitive way to understand music theory.

Not every student will be willing to sing but through simple activities which you'll find here on the blog and gentle coaxing, most of them can be brought around if we start young enough. Don't let a student's (or your own) shyness discourage you from singing!

You can learn more about Kodály and the basics of solfa singing here.

Moving Music Theory

Most piano lessons are altogether too stationary in my opinion. In fact, I think we can agree that most of us are not moving enough in general. So why not use piano lessons as an opportunity to move together?!

Movement activities are one of the best ways to teach rhythm, beat, metre, pitch and a whole range of other topics. Teaching these things through movement rather than purely intellectually is more inclusive of learning differences and better for every learner overall.

If you want some quick and easy rhythm movement ideas, check out my book 'Rhythm in 5'.

Written Music Theory

Written music theory exercises still have their place in my studio. I believe that approaching music theory concepts from every angle is the best way to ensure thorough understanding.

You will see a few music theory worksheets listed above, but if you're after a more comprehensive curriculum you might like my 'Thinking Theory' books. They're all available with studio licenses so you can print parts or whole books as you need them for your students.

Making Music Theory Relevant

No matter what singing activities or fun games you plan into your lessons, please do not forget the final and crucial step: Make it relevant.

Most of us (and I would venture to say far fewer 9-year-olds) don't learn music theory for the sake of becoming musicologists. We learn music theory so that we can play beautiful music.

So, whatever you're doing and whatever stage your students are at – make those connections clear to them. Have discussions and discovery sessions based on the repertoire they're learning.

That's the surest route to having them fall in love with music theory.