Music Theory Lessons in Ilkley and Online

I've been teaching music now for almost 16 years to hundreds of pupils of all ages and abilities on a 1:1 basis.

I am now based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire and have pupils travelling to me for lessons from Ilkley, Ben Rhydding, Addingham, Menston, Burley in Wharfedale, Otley, Keighley, Skipton, Guiseley, Bolton Abbey, Bradford, Leeds City Centre and more. Additionally I provide tuition online via Zoom, FaceTime or Skype and have nationwide and international pupils.

In this series of blogs I will try to dive deeper into specific areas of my music teaching life. Today I'd like to discuss music theory lessons.

What is Music Theory?

Music Theory is an enormous, almost never-ending subject. In basic terms, Music Theory encompasses an understanding how music is written and how it works. This can range from how to count beats and read musical notation; an appreciation of the range of tones and textures produced by different instruments and understanding of arrangement, through to a deep analysis of musical harmony and form - whether it be classical, pop or jazz. It is the ability to decode and understand what you are hearing.

I tend to weave at least a little bit of music theory into everything I teach. You can know a little or you can go deep into the subject but I would recommend anyone learning music to at least dip their toes in.

A common task I've undertaken in the past is when pupils on any instrument reach ABRSM Grade 6 on their instrument, they need to attain ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory to proceed beyond this point and I will help them achieve this.

Otherwise I am happy to take a more relaxed and bespoke approach to my music theory lessons. There is so much to learn and fun to be had when you can deconstruct a piece of your favourite music and fully understand how it was built.

Book a lesson with Ben here