When I was 14 I attended music theory classes every Saturday so I could pass my grade five music theory. You can just watch a 16 minute YouTube video from composer Guy Michelmore.
Well, okay. Guy’s video only covers the fundamentals and music theory is the kind of topic which is never ending topic so you won’t be composing an acid Jazz opera at the end, but if you’ve ever wondered why some notes on a piano are black and some are white, or why there is no black key after E, then watch on.
Watch and learn music theory in just 16 minutes
Content
- notes
- octaves
- intervals
- The names of the notes
- the major scale
- the minor scale
- relative major and minor
- Major and minor triads
- The circle of fifths
What’s next?
With this foundation under your belt, you could start writing your own songs, investigate the different modes with Rick Beato or learn about Harmony with incredible Jazz artist Jacob Collier (and Herbie Hancock).
Although you don’t need to know music theory to write or play songs, a little theory can make a huge difference. It can give you informed ideas to try rather than just blind guesses. Of course, sometimes a blind guess works out better, but with theory you can do both approaches.
This could also be a handy tool in teaching or training musicians in your church. Oh! It could also be handy for structured training for new musicians. Sometimes we don’t have the right people because we don’t train the interested.
So there really is no reason not to try and pick up a little theory. And who knows, maybe you’ll discover that you really enjoy learning and applying this new knowledge. After all, there are some amazing benefits to a music education.
Do you know any good music theory learning resources?
Blessing Mpofu says
Neat! I wish I’d be taught this way when I was still doing music at church. Who knows, maybe I’ll pick it up again…