The Joys of Music Theory

Most people give me a very strange look when I tell them that I actually like music theory and enjoyed sitting my exams! For me I have always enjoyed the theory more than the practical. Most students say to me that they find music theory hard and practical much easier. In my opinion, these students see music theory as a chore and don't enjoy it because they are not introduced to it straightaway, and are usually faced with it when wanting to progress in their practical grades. I firmly believe that it is crucial to learn both theory and practical side by side as they each enhance the others understanding of music.

I teach basic music theory to pre-school children and it is surprising how quickly and easily they pick it up and retain what they've learnt for use at a later date. Practical music classes are available at most schools but theory is often neglected. Therefore students find themselves unable to sit grades 6 practical and upwards until they have passed grade 5 theory. Being thrown in at grade 5 is very daunting therefore highlighting the benefits of studying theory as they go along. As a parent it would be wise to ask either a specialist music theory teacher for specific music theory lessons, or a practical teacher to teach their child an element of theory during their practical lessons.

There are also two books that I think are vital to learning music theory which are The AB Guide to Music Theory Parts I and II by Eric Taylor and published by the ABRSM. Alongside these books, the only way to fully prepare a student for a theory exam and to aid their practice is to work through the ABRSM past papers and also work through specific grade workbooks. These too are published by the ABRSM and are called Music Theory in Practice by Peter Aston and Julian Webb. I have a real desire to pass on my love of music theory and want to make it an area of music that is enjoyable and knowledgable rather than just a compulsory step in the practical music process.