Where to learn music theory?

[parishrut]

Hello everybody.

I am 17 years old and most of my day is devoted to studying. I can read music and play the easier piano pieces and I wish to learn about music theory to be able to improvise and play out the various melodies running in my head. Presently I possess a very poor knowledge of music theory and it feels like a big handicap; particularly because I play piano for leisure and want to be able to express myself; and also because I am a terrible singer .

I have a Casio Celviano AP-420 in my room, an internet connection, but no money to spend. Is there free material out there that you would recommend? I can spend half an hour to an hour everyday playing piano.

[visitor]

start here:
https://www.angelo.edu/dept/arts/documents/Handbook%20of%20Basic%20Music%20Theory.pdf

[visitor]

start here:
https://www.angelo.edu/dept/arts/documents/Handbook%20of%20Basic%20Music%20Theory.pdf

also see this
https://worldtracker.org/media/library/Sociology/Pilhofer%20-%20Music%20Theory%20for%20Dummies%20(Wiley,%202007).pdf

[chopinlover01]

And if you have any additional questions (especially regarding inserting theory into composing), PM or email me ([email protected]) and I'll happily help the best I can.
Also, random little tip, if you're into video game music and want free pdf's, go to ninsheetm.us , they have great stuff.

[chopinlover01]

Just realized I signed in on the wrong account (yes, for those of you whom are eagle eyed, me and HMrichter are the same person, we're basically each other's alter ego. The difference being I'm the more analytical, and he's more creative. Wish I had his composing talent)

[j_menz]

Just realized I signed in on the wrong account (yes, for those of you whom are eagle eyed, me and HMrichter are the same person, we're basically each other's alter ego. The difference being I'm the more analytical, and he's more creative. Wish I had his composing talent)

Eusebius and Florestan revisited? That worked out so well last time....

[hmrichter]

Eusebius and Florestan revisited? That worked out so well last time....

I know right! It's a genius idea!

[j_menz]

I know right! It's a genius idea!

Or possibly the other side of that fine line.

[hmrichter]

Or perhaps a bit of both? But what fine line are you referring to?

[j_menz]

what fine line are you referring to?

[louispodesta]

Hello everybody.

I am 17 years old and most of my day is devoted to studying. I can read music and play the easier piano pieces and I wish to learn about music theory to be able to improvise and play out the various melodies running in my head. Presently I possess a very poor knowledge of music theory and it feels like a big handicap; particularly because I play piano for leisure and want to be able to express myself; and also because I am a terrible singer .

I have a Casio Celviano AP-420 in my room, an internet connection, but no money to spend. Is there free material out there that you would recommend? I can spend half an hour to an hour everyday playing piano.

First, thank you for being straightforward about who and what you are, and or not (not a negative), as a pianist.

Secondly, one of, if not, the most popular theory book sold in music stores is "Edlly's, Music Theory for Practical People."  It is written by Ed Roseman, who has geared this great book, in my opinion, for pianists just like you.

Further, it is as people friendly, with high quality illustrative cartoons, as you can get.  And, it is as compositionally sound as any of the other recommendations that have been made.

This should go a very long way to solving your problem.  And, my compliments again for having the courage to broach the question.