Music Theory

Theory assignments

Music theory is incorporated into lessons in a number of different ways both written and oral. The Studio uses the digital theory system Sproutbeat for worksheets, games and flashcards for beginning to intermediate students. Contact your instructor for account access.

Learning the notes

Whether an online resource or flashcards are used, learning the notes is fundamental to learning to read music. Here are some additional tools for reinforcing note recognition that we use in the Studio.

Flashnote Derby

Flashnote Derby is a good place for beginners to start. Available for Apple and Android, this app can help students gain confidence in note reading and is scalable depending on the needs of the student.

Staff Wars

StaffWars is a game designed to help beginning and intermediate musicians learn, practice and review the note names of the treble, alto and bass clefs. Available for Apple, Android and desktop.

Flashcards

Good old-fashioned flashcards are great practice for students too. Making Music Fun offers a variety of note flashcards to download and print for a nominal fee.

sight-reading tools

Sight-reading, playing the music at “first sight” without preparation, is the next step after learning the notes. Sight-reading material should be graduated, increasing in difficulty and complexity over time. Online apps are particularly helpful in providing the necessary volume of music and repetition required for mastery. NoteQuest is the preferred sight-reading app for the Studio.