Basic Music Theory

ArtGrades 6–12

About This Curriculum

A comprehensive music theory textbook that teaches how to read, write, and understand written music through a conversational, humorous approach with practical exercises and reviews.

What makes it unique: Makes music theory accessible and enjoyable through humor and clear explanations, suitable for complete beginners through experienced musicians seeking to formalize their knowledge

Basic Music Theory: Comprehensive Self-Study Text with Conversational Approach

Basic Music Theory is a comprehensive music theory textbook by Jonathan Harnum that covers fundamental to advanced concepts through a conversational, humorous approach. The curriculum is designed for self-study by teens and adults learning any instrument, with structured chapters, practical exercises, and comprehensive reviews.

Best for

Self-motivated middle and high school students or adults learning music independently, particularly those studying multiple instruments who want comprehensive theory knowledge

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 2 concerns · 1 neutral

Structured Vs OpenStrength

The curriculum balances structured theory instruction with creative application through composition and performance exercises. The seven-part structure provides systematic progression while practical exercises encourage creative exploration.

Reviews describe 'short chapters' with 'Study Guide questions' followed by 'Practical Use Exercises' including 'writing musical notation,' 'tapping out the student's own musical composition,' and 'experimenting with an instrument'

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The curriculum explicitly teaches music theory vocabulary and terminology throughout the structured lessons. Musical terms are systematically introduced and reinforced through study guides and reviews.

Reviews mention coverage of technical terms like 'accidentals, major and minor scales, key signatures, intervals, modes, triads' and inclusion of 'interludes on related topics such as practicing, conducting, and musical terms'

Technique InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides systematic instruction in music theory fundamentals including notation, rhythm, scales, and chord progressions. Each chapter includes practical exercises requiring students to write musical notation, compose, and apply concepts with instruments.

Reviews note coverage of 'theory essentials: the staff, notes, rests, time and beats, meter, dotted notes, triplets, clefs, accidentals, major and minor scales, key signatures, intervals, modes, triads, chord extensions' with 'Practical Use Exercises' requiring notation writing and composition

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum appears designed for self-study rather than classroom instruction and lacks specific teacher training materials or guides. It functions as a comprehensive student textbook rather than a complete curriculum package.

Reviews consistently describe it as effective for 'self-study' with one noting 'superior to traditional dry theory texts,' but no mention of teacher guides, lesson plans, or instructional support materials

Art History KnowledgeConcern

The curriculum focuses primarily on technical music theory rather than music history or cultural contexts. Limited evidence suggests minimal coverage of historical or cultural aspects of music.

Reviews emphasize theory content like scales, chords, and notation but do not mention music history, composers, or cultural contexts of musical styles

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum facilitates direct instruction through clear explanations, structured chapters, and systematic progression. However, as a textbook format, it relies on written instruction rather than teacher demonstration.

Reviews describe 'conversational' explanations that make theory 'understandable' with 'short chapters' and structured progression, though some note 'overly verbose' explanations and wish for 'more illustrations instead of lengthy text descriptions'

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, goodreads.com