MMTA News : Missouri Music Teachers Association

MMTA Teachers,

Please remember that the MMTA Theory Project deadline is each Fall--this year, September 15th, 2007.

Summer is the perfect time to have your students work on theory projects.

Doing a theory project is fun and easy for students. Usually they work on a piece they know or are performing.

The student analyzes the harmony, form, and composition techniques of the piece at the level of understanding that is appropriate for that student and that will help the student better understand the composition.

Optionally, the theory project can include discussion or analysis of biography and history, rhythm, mood, or other elements if those would be appropriate and helpful for the student.

The easiest way to have the student complete a theory project is to make several copies of the piece to be analyzed. Each week give the student a specific, small assignment to analyze a certain element at the student's level of understanding.

For instance, for a beginning student it might be as simple as this:

Week 1: Find and label C major chords wherever they occur.
Week 2: Find and label sections of the melody that repeat 2x or more.
Week 3: Find and label phrases.
Week 4: Find and label any repeated rhythmic patterns or motives. Tell what meter the piece is in and explain what that means.
Week 5: Write in finger numbers for each note of the piece (this student is learning finger numbers . . . )
Week 6: Write the note name for each note in the piece (this student is working on note names)
Week 7: Identify finger positions in the piece and where finger positions change write "Change!".
Week 8: Compile the previous 7 weeks' sheets into a booklet and make a cover.
Week 9: Submit the Theory Project!

posted by Brent Hugh at 5/24/2007 12:13:00 AM
permanent link to article: Consider a THEORY PROJECT for your students this summer

MMTA Member News

On this page...

Related resources