Open the world of music to your homeschool student with Theory Time! Master the ability to create art that resonates through the aural senses of the human body and the neurological pathways of the human mind. Become proficient at playing an instrument or singing, and produce a life-long skill. Learn to comprehend music theory, the “language of music” and become literate in reading a musical score. Empower your child to understand the intricacy of music - one of God’s greatest gifts!

Music theory is common to every genre of music study, whether piano, voice or instrumental (woodwind, strings, brass or percussion). In fact, theory is the foundation upon which successful music study and performance is based. A composer writes music and takes many “theoretical” concepts into account such as “What key will this piece be in, and what key will produce a happy sound? What key will create a somber aura? What chords work well in that key?” These considerations and other elements of music compositions including rhythm, melody, intervals, chords, key signatures and terms are all rooted in music theory. When every musical facet works together, the result is a beautiful aural tapestry painted by the colors of sound. Analyzing a musical composition in this way also enables us to delve into the composer’s mind, even if the piece was written hundreds of years ago, so we can appreciate the art and culture of that time.

Music study develops many desirable characteristics in students such as poise, hard work, attention to detail, time management, cognitive development, memorization skills, short and long term goal achievement, and increased self-esteem.

Playing the piano, for example, is the basis for all music study (as evidenced by keyboard illustrations used in most music textbooks). Playing piano increases coordination between the eye, hand, fingers, shoulders, wrist, arm and foot stemming from brain signals. Fingers which have worked together all one’s life are taught to become independent, thereby increasing fine motor skills. When the right hand and left hand play together, the brain must transmit instructions to each individual hand, telling it to play legato (connected) or staccato (detached), forte (loud) or piano (soft), or somewhere in between each of these articulations and sonorities. Learning to play any instrument or becoming a trained singer requires a disciplined regimen, but it results in a life-long skill that keeps the mind active, the ear in tune and the soul sensitive.

Learning to sight-read is also a great benefit of music study, and is the desire of every musician. Training the eye to recognize intervals, learning “landmark” notes that one can recognize at sight and understanding the relationship of a staff to the correct registers of an instrument while simultaneously recognizing rhythmic patterns is an Olympic workout for the brain! The eyes are strengthened as they read at least one measure ahead of what the fingers are playing or the voice is singing. This is multi-tasking at its best using detailed eye-hand coordination!

Furthermore, music provides entertainment for the artist and audience alike, and is a skill that translates into many opportunities for community service either part-time or as a full-time profession. Some of the most notable people in history have been musicians, or continued performing for enjoyment while contributing to society in other important career fields.

Most importantly, music is an essential part of church worship services and giving praise to God. Whether serving as Minister of Music or church music staff, pianist, choir or orchestra member, churches always need good musicians! Music is a God-given form of outreach whether it is performed in a sanctuary or in a nursing home or hospital for those in need.

Theory Time thoroughly teaches, explains, drills and reviews every music theory concept presented. The Theory Time Workbook Series was one of the first complete music theory courses on the market. It consists of 13 levels, one for each grade K-12. Each workbook averages 14 lessons, and only one or two concepts are introduced per lesson. After detailed explanation (to minimize errors), the concepts are drilled thoroughly in a step-by-step format and later reviewed. After every few lessons, there is a “Fun Sheet” (K-8) or “Challenge Sheet” (9-12) in each workbook.

Theory Time is designed to make learning theory interesting and students WANT to do their theory to get to the next Fun Sheet! Our belief is that detailed explanation, fun and drill develops a skill! A marvelous foundation is built as students progress to a new workbook year after year, and it’s exciting to see how students retain information from the materials.

Theory Time is a general theory course, will complement any music method, and may be applied by any instrumentalist or vocalist. Students who complete the series will be proficient in first year-level college music theory and are well-qualified to pass an Advanced Placement Examination in theory. NOTE: College music majors including pianists, vocalists and instrumentalists must normally take a minimum of two years of the same general music theory courses.

• K-12 Workbook Series (as described in proceeding text)

• Teachers Editions Volume 1, 2 & 3

• K-12 Reproducible Curriculums

• Answer Sheet Packets for Reproducible Curriculums

• Test Paks for Middle/High School Reproducibles

• Fun Sheet (K-8) & Challenge Sheet (9-12) Reproducible Packets

• Summer Music Camp/Cross-Curriculum Packets (8 Themed)

• Theory Games

• Flashcards

• Teaching Aids