Music Theory Lessons
Basic Information
- Students age 8 through adult
- Any level
- 30-minute lessons
- Available in person or online
- $50 per lesson
- Free Trial lesson available
Why is Music Theory Important For Performance?
Technique is the vehicle for expression, and music theory is the vehicle for interpretation. Think of interpretation as informed expression. At an advanced level of violin playing, expressive decisions (regarding dynamics, phrasing, color, character, timing, etc.) are not made arbitrarily, but derive from an understanding of the formal and harmonic structure of the work. Therefore, learning violin technique is only one component of becoming a complete musician. This is the reason why music theory is a central component of the performance curriculum at most music schools.
Just like violin technique, music theory is a large body of knowledge which requires dedicated and consistent study time. This is why I encourage violin students to study music theory alongside practicing the violin from the earliest stages. When you reach an advanced level of playing, you will need the corresponding knowledge of music theory to have the capacity to interpret the work you are studying.
Music Theory Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating
Without any guidance or support, music theory can feel intimidating and unapproachable for students, because it is such a broad field of study. Prior to the undergraduate level, many students learn their instrument without any music theory. To the extent that they seek out music theory help, it is often with a specific music theory tutor other than their primary instrument teacher. Thus the theory they learn is unconnected to their instrumental studies. This is unfortunate because music theory concepts can be harder to understand in isolation. Students rightly question the relevance and importance of music theory when all they are doing are exercises and worksheets that seem to have little connection to their instrumental studies.
My approach to music theory is inseparable from performance. While you are certainly welcome to take music theory lessons from me in isolation, I offer the rare opportunity to take both violin and theory lessons with the same teacher and directly integrate the two together. This actually makes the learning process for music theory easier, because complex theory concepts are much more digestible when they are explained through the repertoire you are learning as a violinist. Music theory then becomes a fun and exciting process of looking through a window into the mind of the composer, rather than dry exercises on paper. We can make this connection between theory and repertoire at every level starting from the simplest concepts. Eventually, you will be able to create an informed interpretation of the entire work that you will perform, that is grounded in the harmonic and formal structure.
What Will I Learn?
Through ongoing music theory lessons with me, you can systematically and progressively work your way through many topics, including:
- Reading music
- Ear training fundamentals
- Time, meter, and rhythm in music
- Key signatures and scales
- Intervals
- Basic Triads and Chords
- Roman numeral analysis
- Tonal Harmony (diatonic and chromatic)
- Post-tonal harmony
- Formal structure
- Methods of analysis
- Interpretation-building
Who Theory Lessons Are For
Music theory lessons are valuable for:
- my violin students
- any instrumentalist seeking a better understanding of musical structure
- high school students taking AP music theory, or college students seeking additional music theory tutoring or help preparing for exams
- adult learners exploring music more deeply
- anyone who has felt overwhelmed by music theory and is looking for clear and concise explanations
Why Learn With Me?
As a Jacobs Scholar at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, I rigorously studied music theory for five years. I studied tonal harmony with Julian Hook and Leah Frederick, post-tonal harmony with Marianne Kielian-Gilbert, and graduate-level Schenkerian Analysis with Frank Samarotto, and I was named a Founders Scholar for academic excellence.
Free Introductory Session
Feel free to bring with you a broad topic or specific concept you are having trouble understanding, and we will see if we can de-mystify it! We’ll discuss the relevance of theory for understanding and interpreting your repertoire as a performer and how music theory can elevate your musicianship if you play an instrument, and come up with a plan if you would like to continue theory lessons.
Ready to Make Music Theory Make Sense?
Contact me to schedule your first lesson!