Music theory
An Overview!


Music theory! What is it and why do you need to learn it?

Simply put, as any other subject, music theory means studying all the aspects involved with music. Unlike physics, where we would stress more on frequencies and waveforms of sound, here the aim is to study what sounds pleasing to the ear…and what does not. The way music is read and written, and the way it is interpreted forms a major part of this study.

Here you will find information about the various topics that you should ideally be aware of if you want to become a better musician. Though the focus is on learning piano music theory online, most of the things discussed here will apply to any other musical instrument.

Music Theory Online
Things to learn


When you talk about Music theory, knowing the notes comes first. Most of you would already be aware that there are 7 musical notes. Besides, there are also "accidentals" which you will learn further. Music theory is nothing but learning how these notes are related, how they sound when played individually or as a group, and how they are used in different styles of music. The key topics to learn are as follows.

Piano notes - The seven notes and their accidentals
Key Signature - The various scale in which you can play any song
Time Signature - The various meters in which any song can be played
Piano Technique - Articulations, Dynamics, Trills, Gliss, etc
Harmonizing - Learn about the various chords. Learn various patterns for your left hand
Styles of music - Learn to play Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz, etc.

Music Theory Online
Go beyond the basics


Though these may look like only a few topics, there is so much more to learn in piano music theory. There are so many chords to learn, to be played in various scales. Besides, harmonizing and improvisations can take some time to learn as there are numerous ways in which you can move from one chord to another. At the same time, you don't have to jump into everything at one go; you can build gradually. Knowing these topics will help you to lay the foundation, based on which you can go on to learn more complex things.



Additional Music Theory Resources
Learning Music Theory Online!
Beginner Music Theory - Who said it is difficult?
Advanced Music Theory!
Learning with Music Theory Games!

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