What is Music Theory? Music theory is the grammar and structure of music and is an integral part of understanding and communicating in this language. Students who are comfortable with the components of music progress more quickly with instrument study and enjoy a more diverse skill set. With a sound knowledge of music theory, students also experience a deeper relationship and appreciation for this art form.
Benefits of Study: There are many benefits to having a solid working knowledge of music theory. Along with all of the benefits acquired through learning an instrument, here are just a few of the highlights unique to theory:
Music theory aids in understanding the score in its entirety, which facilitates quicker and more thorough learning.
Music theory assists in quicker and more securely memorized music, which allows for a more comfortable and confident performance.
Music Theory helps students understand the purpose of certain exercises, which can increase interest and patience in studying certain necessary skills.
Students with an interest in composition or popular music will find the tools to be successful and those who had never thought about writing a thing, might find themselves inspired as they realize with the right tools, anyone can compose.
For students looking to add an AP class to their high school curriculum, theory study early will build a strong foundation for future success.
Why Study Independent from Private Lessons? One of the pitfalls of private instrument lessons is there is so much to learn in a short time. For a pianist, a forty-five minute lesson will cover a myriad of functional keyboard and technical skills, exploration and learning of repertoire and fine tuning for performance. Often this full schedule leaves only a few minutes a couple of times a month for theory. At the end of the day most students feel ill equipped in this subject which leads to a “dislike” and/or avoidance of it. The situation is grimmer for students in thirty minute lessons.
Group lessons previously offered in the piano studio covered theory subjects, but not at the depth and breadth needed for confident passing of the AIM and RCM theory exams (let alone feeling prepared for AP theory classes), nor at the depth necessary for most students to feel truly fluent. Students who are highly self directed learners may do well with what they receive through piano lessons, but most students struggle with such limited time.
What the Studio Offers:
An “add-on” option to private lessons (15 minutes weekly solely dedicated to theory and ear training)
Private and Group online theory instruction (weekly or bi-monthly)
Private and Group in-person instruction (as the schedule permits)
Study plan for self directed learners with follow up
Composition Opportunities for Students:
Students will become efficient in hand notation and manual and midi input (where available) using Musescore (free downloadable software similar to Sibelius and Finale).
Participation in UMTA & NFMC composition contests
Collaborations & Composition Recitals
For students interested theory instruction, please reach out. Students do not have to be students in the voice or piano studio to enroll.
"Barrow made me realize that all my romantic views of art were nonsense. I had always thought an angel came down and sat on your shoulder and whispered in your ear 'dah-dah-dah-DUM.' Never occurred to me that art was something worked out. And suddenly it was skies opening up. As soon as you find out what a leading tone is, you think, Oh my God. What a diatonic scale is – Oh my God! The logic of it. And, of course, what that meant to me was: Well, I can do that. Because you just don't know. You think it's a talent, you think you're born with this thing. What I've found out and what I believed is that everybody is talented. It's just that some people get it developed and some don't.” --Stephen Sondheim