Knowing the theory behind the music you are singing or playing is an integral part of becoming a musician. This is demonstrated by the fact that many of the music awarding bodies (including ABRSM) insist that one has evidence of theoretical study before being allowed to enter for higher grades. Even if you have no ambition of taking music grades and merely sing for pleasure, being able to read music and to understand the relationships of the notes you are singing will make learning and performing considerably easier.
My Music Theory lessons take two forms: ABRSM structured theory, based around the graded programme that coincides with the Eric Taylor graded work books, and 'Learn to Read' classes.
The ABRSM music theory programme is a tried and tested pattern of exercises that aim to build not just an understanding of written notation and how this might be translated into music for performance, but that endeavours to give the pupil a full grounding in the basic study of music. Through this, students will gain the knowledge to grow as instrumentalists, vocalists and musicologists, being able to not only read scores, but also to analyse them and understand the process that has gone into composition.
'Learn-to-Read' classes are targeted specifically towards helping you to translate those dots, lines and peculiar squiggles that festoon a score into meaningful notations. This pattern of study is less concerned with the whys and wherefores of music and aims instead to provide you with all of the basic knowledge required for reading the musical score as a performer. If you are learning to sing or to play an instrument, or you sing with a choir and want to make learning new music easier, but do not currently have time to explore all aspects of theroy, then this would be ideal for you. If you decide at a later date that you wish to begin looking to music theory in more detail then that is an easy step to make, particularly once you have gained your basic knowledge of written notation.
The ABRSM music theory programme is a tried and tested pattern of exercises that aim to build not just an understanding of written notation and how this might be translated into music for performance, but that endeavours to give the pupil a full grounding in the basic study of music. Through this, students will gain the knowledge to grow as instrumentalists, vocalists and musicologists, being able to not only read scores, but also to analyse them and understand the process that has gone into composition.
'Learn-to-Read' classes are targeted specifically towards helping you to translate those dots, lines and peculiar squiggles that festoon a score into meaningful notations. This pattern of study is less concerned with the whys and wherefores of music and aims instead to provide you with all of the basic knowledge required for reading the musical score as a performer. If you are learning to sing or to play an instrument, or you sing with a choir and want to make learning new music easier, but do not currently have time to explore all aspects of theroy, then this would be ideal for you. If you decide at a later date that you wish to begin looking to music theory in more detail then that is an easy step to make, particularly once you have gained your basic knowledge of written notation.