Sunday, December 4, 2011

Beginning Music Theory

A first year theory program should include the following:

  • Major 5-finger positions and major tonic chords
  • Dominant seventh chords (inverted positions)
  • Intervals
  • The order of sharps and flats
  • Major key signatures
  • Minor 5-finger positions and minor tonic chords
  • Subdominant chords (inverted position)

Ultimately, the piano student should know how to identify the key of the piece, understand the harmonic changes, and have some understanding of the structure of the composition. To get there, piano instruction should include theory from the beginning as an integral part of the piano lessons.

I make it a point to each one hour piano classes rather than half hours because performance, technic, theory, and aural training cannot be managed in only thirty minutes. Families with two students cannot always swing this, so I offer half-hour classes to these candidates. Written theory assignments can then be given and the piano teacher can check these in a few minutes during the lesson.

For more information about piano lessons in the Millington area, please contact Barbara Ehrlich Piano Studio.

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