Teachers have been using Elementary Music Theory for over 25 years as a beginning theory method. This edition is filled with exercises for elementary level students. It compliments any beginner method and is great to use right from the very first lesson. Helpful diagrams and images accompany each lesson and combine with a variety of engaging learning activities to reinforce essential skills and knowledge.

This series is a fun way to begin to learn music. Books 1 and 2 contain theory lessons, ear training lessons and worksheets. Students from ages 8 to 12 in their first year of lessons will reinforce their music reading skills and gain a better understanding of the building blocks of music. This thorough, easy-to-use method includes theory lessons, ear training (with CDs for books 1 and 2) and worksheets.

The main purpose of the book is to explore basic music theory so thoroughly that the interested student will then be able to easily pick up whatever further theory is wanted. Music history and the physics of sound are included to the extent that they shed light on music theory. The main premise of this course is that a better understanding of where the basics come from will lead to better and faster comprehension of more complex ideas.It also helps to remember, however, that music theory is a bit like grammar. Catherine Schmidt-Hones is a music teacher from Champaign, Illinois and she has been a pioneer in open education since 2004. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Illinois in the Open Online Education program with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction.