All sorts of people study music theory for exams or fun and general interest. Some want help with school or university studies.
Band singers often want to learn some theory, so that they don't feel like freaks among the "real" musicians in the band. Lead vocalists who've also learnt guitar or piano have a definite advantage in dealing with the other band members---they seem to get more respect because they can talk the same language.
All my piano students, and some of the singers, get a bit of theory as part of their piano or singing lesson.
But I also teach theory on its own to children and adults. Or, I should say, I teach theory with the student sitting at the piano (even if they're a guitarist). It's good to do it at the keyboard so that it makes sense. Even students who don't have their own piano or keyboard benefit from the 'practical' approach to theory.
I'm very big on both learing by rote and by concepts. Learning theory by concepts is very important, of course, and I for one really enjoy teaching the concepts. But musicians (and theory teachers) should always remember that when they see or hear a chord themselves, and instantly recognize it as, let's say, a G7, they're so quick at it because they have really learnt it by rote. I know why it's a G7, but after all my training and experience I don't really need to think about why. I just know what notes make up a G7 chord.
See Dave's Secrets for Success about this point and why it's unadvisable to use limerick tricks for the lines and spaces.
I really enjoy teaching theory. The lessons are one-to-one, so it's the Rolls-Royce way of doing it, BUT YOU DO GET RESULTS. My classical theory exam candidates often get marks in the high nineties. 96% or 97% is not unusual.
Most of my formal qualifications relate to piano, theory, and composition, and the teaching of these.
So if you're wanting to delve into the wonderful mysteries of musical theory, please phone me on 08 9381 2308 or email me at hmpperth@cygnus.uwa.edu.au. But try not to leave it until two weeks before your exam---for obvious reasons!
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Mx Margaret Jones |
Phone 08 9381 2308 or 0427 853 083 |
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MusB(UWA), DipEd, LTCL, ATCL, AMusTCL, AMusA. |
Associate Composer, Australian Music Centre |