Music Theory?

[BriceT]

Hey Everyone,

I have come to the realization that my biggest weakness as a musician is my lack of music theory knowledge. I really want to pick up piano again, but before I do... What are the best best resources (books, online, etc.) that will help me get from basic to advanced? My goal is to start composing and transcribing music from other instruments. Also, I think it would be a good idea to be have some prior knowledge before I walk in to my first Music Theory class in college. Thanks in advance!

[k001k47]

http://www.musictheory.net/

Helps alot.
You should also take advantage of an AP music theory course, if your school offers one.

[The Jackson]

I believe the Music Theory version of "Complete Dummies guide to..." or "Idiot's guide to..." (I forget) is a pretty good resource.

I think something like music theory is something you can learn a great deal of on your own, but only if you truly want to learn it. Check it out and read all you can!

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Good advice so far. Do what 99% of students don't do...get a theory textbook and read it...FOR FUN!

[djwesp]

Bruce Benward.

[Art Hovey]

To paraphrase Mr. Miyagi: "Huh? You learn theory from book?"

Play in a good jazz band that uses no charts for thirty or forty years.
You'll be amazed at how much theory you pick up from practice.

[grahamroese]

I don't know how things work in your area, but if there is a program for "post-secondary" work offered by a local college, then you can take the class (and get credit for it) as if you were a college student.

I know a bunch of my friends who took a bunch of classes that weren't offered by our high school, such as psychology and Mandarin Chinese, and college-level "core" classes like English and calculus.

One of the reasons I'm mentioning this:

The cost? Free.
The books? Free.

This is detailed in a senate bill somewhere. The number escapes me.

Give that one a look. I'm at college now for the first time, and even though theory has started out very slowly, it is so great to be treated like an adult.


Hope this helps!
Graham

[keegan watson]

I have/am used/using these text for my theory in college. I find them very helpful. All of these were aided by work books that were written by our professors.

The practice of harmony - Peter Spencer
Turek Anthology for analysis
Burkhart Anthology for analysis
music for sight singing - Ottman
Duckworth has a good book as well

If you go to your local music store I'm sure you can find a theory work book that breaks everything down. I picked one of these up for one of my students a couple years ago and I believe it was under $15

cheers,
Keegan

[Dan Schultz]

Here's a theory website where you can get a very good education:

http://www.dolmetsch.com/theoryintro.htm

[MileMarkerZero]

Turek Anthology for analysis

Oh, thaaaanks...

Just when I was able to get some sleep...another 15 years of flashbacks.

[iiipopes]

Indeed. Along with the actual music theory study, go the three chestnuts:

sight screaming
ear straining
piano profanity

er, that's

sight singing
ear training
piano proficiency.