Where's the theory? Curse my Korean teacher!

[chopintod]

Well, read the title and guess....I  had a Korean teacher, and she taught me basically no theory.  I can play the Revolutionary Etude, but I can't tell you what key a piece is in without looking at the title.  Are there any good resources that could help me learn from the start?  The one thing I do know are scales (most of them, at least). 

Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Terry

[steve jones]

'Associated Board Guide to Music Theory, Part 1'

We used to sell these buy the truck load to music students, its a great little book. I highly recommend.

Btw, this one covers grades 1 - 5, or what I like to call 'the relavent theory'

Part 2 goes from grades 6 - 8 and contains all the stuff you're less likely to require.

[omnisis]

I am currently very satisfied with the "Fundamentals of Piano Theory" series by Keith Snell (published by KJOS publishing), they are a "workbook style" series and have ten progressive levels.  The exercises build on one another quite nicely and will give you ample oppurtunity to actually practice the theory you are learning.  If you just want to read up on theory in general (no workbook) I'd suggest getting a copy of "Edly's Music Theory for Practical People", it has enough info to keep you busy for a long while.  I think workbooks are ideal because they constantly re-inforce the concepts thru drills and exercises.  The"Fundamentals" series even has a section (at every level) for ear-training which you can do with a friend or teacher.


~omnisis

[_tyro]

You can get some really basic information here -- think I know about from somewhere else on the forum:
https://www.musictheory.net/index.html

[abell88]

What continent are you on? This is actually a relevant question...if you're North American you probably don't want a British book that talks about crotchets, minims, and hemidemisemiquavers...similarly if you are in the UK or someplace like that, you don't want one that talks about half, quarter and eighth notes.

Anyhow, if you're in North America, I recommend Barbara Wharram's Elementary Rudiments of Music. You can get it from frederickharris.com.

[chopintod]

Thanks for the help...sorry about delay of response, I've been moving into my dorm room at Ohio U.

I'm gonna check out that website right away, and look into those suggested books...I'm US, by the way, and I have no idea in Peaches what hemidemisemiquavers are... 

Wish me luck....BTW, the only piano in my building is a broken one from prob. the 1950s; half the keys dont even move. <sobs>  Guess I'll have to hike it uptown if I'm gonna play.

Terry

[phil13]

...and I have no idea in Peaches what hemidemisemiquavers are...

Hemidemisemiquavers= 64th notes.

I find the North American system way easier. But, then again, I am a North American.

Doesn't Ohio U. offer music theory courses?

Phil

[alzado]

If she taught you to play the Revolutionary Etude, she must have done something right.

You can get a little table and memorize the keys associated with sharps and flats in the key signature of your piece. 

Some research in the library will also help.

"The Lord helps them what helps themselves."

[princessdecadence]

Why don't you ask her to teach you Music Theory.  I only learnt theory until Grade 2 (ABRSM) and I never really properly learn it now but I only had my 6 lessons since I stopped.  To me it kind of comes naturally, at least some theory. 

I would just buy a few good books and start reading through it in your spare time.

These two volumes are good to start with:

Eric Taylor - The AB Guide to Music Theory Vol 1 & 2 (the pink - vol.1 and blue book vol.2) published by ABRSM

https://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1854724460/026-2916615-0643603

[allthumbs]

If she taught you to play the Revolutionary Etude, she must have done something right.

You can get a little table and memorize the keys associated with sharps and flats in the key signature of your piece. 

The circle of fifths comes to mind. Count on your fingers.

Thumb - C major - no sharps or flats - count to pinky finger on subsequent fingers D, E, F and G - 1 sharp

Then Thumb - G major - count to pinky finger again A, B, C, D - 2 sharps

Then thumb - D major... well you get the idea

Reverse the process from C major for the flats  C, B, A, G, F - 1 flat

Source - Theory 101 for the perceptually challenged. I took this course.

Cheers

allthumbs