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Greetings,

What music theory materials do you use in teaching? I have a 14yo piano student who knows the circle of fifths, some intervals, key signatures, and would like to learn more about intervals, triads, analysis, but not necessary in a graded way. What has worked in this kind of situation?

Many thanks.

I generally pick and choose from several different books to cover the subjects that I need. You don't need a lot as far as stuff explaining a concept, you need a lot of examples where the student can practice that concept. So, pick from all of your books on the subject, the more the merrier!

I have Alfred's Essentials in music theory, which has good explanations but not a lot of examples. I also have Keith Snell's Fundamentals of Piano Theory, which have a lot more examples to do.

Also, there are websites available to help. One of them is www.musictheory.net. I'm sure there are others that present the same kind of stuff.

My favorite keyboard theory is by Julie McIntosh Johnson called, "Basics of Keyboard Theory". This series goes from primer to advanced, 10 workbooks. My students work through these.

There are also theory books by Resa, and Glover theory books that cover this subject in different manners.

unfortunately, many of my students parents don't see fit to "waste money" on more books... so I have to write everything down by hand and hope the student doens't lose and remembers to bring the sheets back the following week.

Because of this 'system' i just teach what I think is necessary. It all depends on the student as well. obviously my RCM students who are serious about their studies have actual books (i like the Lawless books personally) but for someone who is just having fun, i keep it simple with major and minor chords, key signatures, basic rythm and reading notes. That's it.

Just charge an upfront fee for materials, then you can get what you see fit...for the piano students still in method books, I like the theory/writing books that go along with the method (I use Faber Piano Adventures) or use an all-in-one lesson/theory/performance book. For students that are out of method books or are clarinet students, I usually like either the Theory for Young Musicians (works quite well with most kids 9-12 years old) or the Mark Sarnecki Theory books (for at least Rudiments and Harmony). They also get time to work on their theory skills on my laptop computer and/or flashcards.

Meri