The best place to start with music theory is the very beginning. You might think it's too elementary to study the type of stuff music teachers would be helping kids with in grade school.
Still, the basics of music theory, including writing notes, creating a music staff, counting measures, and singing or playing through scales, are crucial for internalizing what you will learn as you get into more advanced stages of music theory.
Unlike singing, the theory of music can be effectively taught with a book. It's always helpful to have a professional that can give you a unique approach to learning theory and answer your specific questions.
Still, the basics of music theory are pretty easy to learn with a book alone.
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Many music theory books also come with a CD or video series that can be a tremendous help with an audio and visual aid for your learning process.
This is music that we're studying at the end of the day, so any course book that includes audio or visual learning elements can be a great way to digest the knowledge much more successfully.
Music theory basics are very much worth learning if you are a singer or a songwriter. Learning more than the basics is very much worth it as well if you are an instrumentalist like a guitar player or a pianist. Suppose you are a producer or a composer.
Learning the basics, as well as advanced music theory, will do you some good if it doesn't make your head explode. I would say that basic music theory is a must if you are a producer or a composer.
The only music theory courses and books that are not worth it are simply the ones that aren't good. Luckily, there aren't many creators out here teaching terrible theory.
Here are some recommendations that I have for affordable music theory books to get you started as a beginner.
Again, the best way to learn music is with a teacher that can interact with you, but books in addition to a teacher or even watching professionals on Youtube will help you learn the basics so long that you apply yourself.
Do note that watching Youtube or listening to audiobooks without actively putting it to practice yourself with writing, playing, or singing as you learn will not be that effective.
The good thing about books is that most of them have workbooks as well that allow you to interact with the learning process.
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Here's a music theory book for beginners that includes a workbook for you to start writing music. This one is great for kids and adults looking for an easy way to get into the concepts of music theory.
They even include links to their Youtube channel, where you can visually and audibly process the information in a way that will stick.
Here's another music theory book that's great for beginners and includes links to audio samples that can help you along the process.
If you're looking to rush the process of learning music and have the time to put in daily studying and practice sessions, I'd say this is a great one to go for.
If you're short on time and even shorter with your attention span, don't really expect the title to come true, but the content in this book can be digested well in any time frame.
You might be tempted to turn your nose up at the "For Dummies" series, but the truth is, they still sell really well because they usually have consistently great content.
It's no different from their introductory music theory book, which also includes audio aid online like the previous books I recommended. It's also the most affordable book on my list if you're looking for the cheapest option that is still quality!
If you're looking for a longer-term course that can help you go through beginner and intermediate levels of music theory knowledge, this would be a good choice to go with.
This book comes with two CDs that focus well on ear training, which is a critical part of music theory that many professional singers still struggle with. I love ear-training exercises, so that fact alone makes this my favorite recommendation on the list.
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Practice Active Listening: One of the most effective ways to internalize music theory concepts is through active listening. Train your ears to identify different musical elements such as intervals, chord progressions, and rhythmic patterns.
Actively analyze songs you enjoy and try to identify the theoretical components at play. This hands-on approach will deepen your understanding and make theory more tangible.
Apply Theory to Real-Life Examples: As you grasp the fundamentals of music theory, apply them to real-life musical examples. Take songs you like and analyze their chord progressions, melody structures, and harmonic choices.
By dissecting and understanding the theoretical framework behind existing music, you'll gain practical insights that you can apply to your own compositions and arrangements.
Collaborate and Seek Feedback: Engaging with fellow musicians and seeking feedback on your progress can significantly enhance your understanding of music theory.
Join online communities, participate in forums, or collaborate with other musicians to exchange ideas and learn from one another. Feedback from experienced musicians can provide valuable insights and help you refine your understanding of theory while expanding your musical network.
Remember, learning music theory is an ongoing process, so be patient and enjoy the journey. Embrace experimentation, creativity, and the joy of making music while you deepen your theoretical knowledge.
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