Are you a musician who wants to unlock the secrets of music theory in your own way?
Learning music theory on your own requires self-discipline, an organized plan, and a passion for music. In this article, we’ll look at three key strategies to start your own music theory journey.
Set specific goals
Learning music theory begins with setting specific, achievable goals. Start by deciding what you want to learn: learn new scales, understand chord progressions, or apply these concepts to songwriting. Creating a roadmap for your musical ambitions will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your learning journey.
Learn the 5 basic principles.
To build a solid foundation in music theory, you need to understand these five key elements:
Pitch. Understand that music notes come in a variety of pitches from the low rumbling bass to the high pitch notes violins can play.
Scales. Familiarize yourself with the different sequence of notes arranged by pitch. These are then grouped into what is known as musical scales. There are major and minor scales for example
Chords. Learn how to create harmony by playing three or more notes at once.
Rhythm. Recognise notes organised with different duration.
Melody. Understand the melody or theme of the music.
These fundamentals form the basis of music theory and, fortunately, are relatively easy to understand, making them ideal for self-study.
Use free resources
One of the best things about teaching music theory on your own is the abundance of free resources available online.
Websites and platforms offer a variety of free worksheets, tutorials and lessons to help you learn. For example, Teacher Jenny’s YouTube channel offers a great resource of free music theory videos for grades 1-8. These resources can be invaluable in improving your understanding of music theory.
Self-teaching is a good start, but many musicians find it beneficial to work with a teacher.
A music theory teacher can clarify any uncertainties, provide feedback, and provide individualized guidance to help you more effectively achieve your musical goals.
Also, remember that not all aspects of music theory are equally suited to your musical journey.
Music theory is a versatile subject and you have the flexibility to focus on elements that suit your interests and goals.
Simply put, learning music theory on your own is not only possible, but responsible. By setting clear goals, learning five basic principles, and using free resources, you can build a solid foundation for your musical endeavors.
Consider getting tutoring from a music theory teacher to improve your skills as you progress. Your musical journey is unique and personal, and your understanding of music theory is as varied as the songs it encompasses.
