theory

Showing all 9 results in theory

Scales

I am going deeper into “scale” with my more advanced students in the Development Levels and in Accompaniment 2. Having come from a very extensive classical musical training, I understand scale, key signature, and advanced theory. However, a student has asked me, and I ask…

Solace of the Wind Key

Jazz program.The key of Solace of the Wind. First off I might say it’s C Minor with it’s key signature and initial chord but it’s the final chord that’s supposed to be the final arbiter, right? And that’s A flat Minor. In fact the whole…

Roman Numerals for Amazing Grace Variation 2

I have a question about the Amazing Grace Variation from book two. How would you write the last line in I IV V format – from the vi, then F/D, F/G, and Fm. You wouldn’t write IV/2nd would you? Is it IV/6th? I have a…

Major 7th and Dominant 7th

I had a student with extensive prior experience ask the difference between a maj 7th and 7th today so I hope this question makes sense. Is Bb the dominant 7th in the key of F? Cmaj7 is C, E, G, B. C7 is C, E,…

Chord Voicing

How would you answer this question from a parent? “Why does the way we learn 7th chords only have 3 notes? To make a F#m7, isn’t that an A chord?” I’m very comfortable with the practical application of the voicing idea between the notes over both…

Question about dominant 7th chords

I have a question about the C7 chord: we drop our thumb down a whole step to Bb, but how does this make it a C7 chord, when Bb is not the 7th note that we count from C? Its full name is “dominant 7th”,…

Circle of 5ths

Hello fellow teachers, How and when do you incorporate the circle of fifths in your lessons? I am open to any and all suggestions! Jessica, The circle of 5ths is usually introduced later on in the foundation program, in conjunction with Jazz and Acc Level…

“Will My Daughter Learn Theory”

I just recently acquired a student who has had 3 years of traditional piano lessons. I will be this young lady’s 5th teacher. She had one month of Suzuki lessons, but her mother said she hated the method and pulled her out immediately. My new…