Music theory is an excellent skill to possess, but beyond childhood, how do you learn it? It’s easier than you think! You could go on the traditional route and hire a teacher, but, as a former piano teacher, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: you can easily learn music theory by yourself for less than the cost of a tank of gas. There are thousands of books and editions out there touting to be the very best at teaching music theory, so much so that I wouldn’t be surprised if you were to get lost in the pandemonium. I did a basic Amazon.com search and came up with over 20 pages of results!
You have Bowman, Adams, Alfred, Gunrod, Kabalevsky, Hanon, and so many more. There are books on reading music (ridiculously) quickly, as well as books with accompanying CDs, ear training books, and books focused on scales and chord progressions. How could you possibly make an informed decision? As it so happens, I’m here to help you with that. As a 39-year pianist and former teacher, I am confident that I am qualified to help you put your money to good use.
Information Worth Its Weight in Gold
1. Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory: A Complete Self-Study Course for All Musicians
Alfred’s edition books are just about the best music theory books available to beginners. They have theory books targeted at your desired instrument (everything from piano and bass to flute and viola), as well as some books that are strictly about theory.
To stick with pure theory, Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory: A Complete Self-Study Course for All Musicians is to the point but friendly. They don’t inundate you with hoity-toity terminology that only a music major would need to know; you get only the terms you need. The books are written clearly, so there’s no doubt about what you’re learning, which is a huge bonus. Also, two supplementary CDs are included with the book, which you will need to complete some exercises. This book will take you a long way to mastering the art of music theory.
2. ABRSM Series: Discovering Music Theory, Grade 1 Workbook
If your interest is more than mere curiosity, I highly recommend the ABRSM series. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, a British institution with a history spanning over 130 years, offers in-person and online exams for pianists to demonstrate their proficiency and claim their status as skilled musicians. If you want to take the exams and you’re not a total rookie in music theory, you can skip certain levels and move forward from there. (If you can pass the level five test, you don’t have to take one through four, for example.)
Even if the exams don’t interest you, these books are laid out in such a way that they make learning theory easy, if not attainable. One thing to note about the ABRSM workbooks is that they use more technical terminology, so be prepared for an influx of new vocabulary (which, by the way, is not necessarily a bad thing).
3. Edly’s Music Theory for Practical People by Ed Roseman
Edly’s Music Theory for Practical People by Ed Roseman is a delightful way to pick up some theory. This is a more contemporary read, fraught with humor and enjoyable illustrations. The unique way they organize their lessons makes it a piece of cake to digest the material, and the analogies are relatable. With this series, it doesn’t matter if you’re a virtuoso or you’ve never studied theory a day in your life — these books will improve your understanding of music theory, and you’ll have fun doing it, too!
4. Nicholas Carter’s Music Theory: From Absolute Beginner to Expert
Nicholas Carter’s Music Theory: From Absolute Beginner to Expert presents the material in an easy-to-understand, relaxed manner. Carter’s conversational approach also effectively teaches theory to those only looking to bolster their music appreciation. It’s geared toward classical music, meaning classical training, but even if that’s not the style you ultimately want to play, it provides a solid base from which to build. Besides, some of the most renowned rock musicians in the world started out as classical performers. My pet peeve (misspellings in books) was occasionally triggered, but I’m willing to overlook that for some sound theory.
5. Pocket Music Theory: A Comprehensive and Convenient Guide for All Musicians
The Hal Leonard Pocket Music Theory: A Comprehensive and Convenient Guide for All Musicians is also a good place to begin. It’s a pocket-sized book that covers basically everything under the musical sun, or it tries to, at least. (Side note: I must commend them for their incredible index! I miss the days of the expansive index.)
I don’t recommend this for absolute beginners, as it can be confusing at times. I also wouldn’t recommend it for expert musicians, as they may find it too basic due to its cursory approach to some concepts. However, if you have a smidge of training and need a quick refresher, this may be just what you’re looking for.
6. The Best Music Theory Book for Beginners Series by Dan Spencer
On about the same level as Hal Leonard’s book, in my opinion, is Dan Spencer’s The Best Music Theory Book for Beginners series. Admittedly, this book is ever-so-slightly better suited for brand-new students than the last because it is a tad easier to understand. On the brighter side, along with over 85 music theory topics, Spencer has included over 80 free videos and flashcards to help catapult you from feeling like a total novice to a music professional in no time.
What I love even more is that if you get the e-edition, there are links to click to songs that match the lessons. Hal Leonard also produces other pocket-sized books, such as a music dictionary and piano and guitar chord guides, which may come in handy someday soon.
The downside? Some of the workbook exercises can seem childish, and to really get the most out of this program, you’ll want to access the bonus content, which could wind up costing a pretty penny.
7. ABRSM The AB Guide to Music Theory
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t include The AB Guide to Music Theory series. Though it doesn’t go quite as in-depth as I’d typically like, this is a really great beginner’s series for the no-fluff, cut-to-the-chase kind of individual. There are no cute cartoon characters, no humor, no relatable analogies: just pure musical fact.
That said, while this is a terrific beginner’s series, I only recommend it if you’re planning to move forward with the ABRSM exams, as it is designed for individuals who are more serious about music, specifically piano playing. While all of that may be true, I still recommend this book to friends who are more no-nonsense by nature because it lays superior groundwork if you choose to continue with your music theory studies.
The Moral of the Story
Learning music theory doesn’t have to be the painful, tedious beast that it was when I was growing up. No, I wasn’t rapped on the knuckles when I hit a wrong note (as if I’ve ever done such a thing…) but the theory portion of my classes left me loathing the subject for a very long time. It took me years to appreciate the vital importance of theory to my piano playing, and by then, the Juilliard ship had sailed.
I highly recommend that everyone sink some time into music theory. It will give you an appreciation of music like you’ve never had before, and you might end up adopting a new instrument into your family of party tricks. Plus, it’s great for your brain to boot!
There are plenty of music theory books available worldwide. These are just a few of my favorites that I’ve used over the years. I don’t guarantee you’ll learn music theory if you pick up one of these suggestions. That, my friend, lies entirely on you. However, I do promise that you will not regret the decision to put down your phone, turn off the TV, and learn something you can carry with you everywhere you go.
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