Introduction to Music Theory is an interactive, multimedia textbook/workbook designed to introduce its reader to the basic fundamentals of music theory. Topics included are:
- A brief overview of musical elements
- Musical notation (including pitch, dynamics, rhythm and tempo)
- Melody (including scales and key signatures)
- Harmony (including intervals and chords)
- Because creativity is the essence of the art, you are given the opportunity to use your theoretical knowledge of the topics listed above and apply them to creative endeavors (e.g., composing a melody with specified parameters related to the current lesson).
Take a look at some of IMT’s features:
The lessons take on the tasks of both “textbook” and “lectures.”Built into the lessons are sound examples, graphics, videos, and interactive exercises along with the written text. Each lesson concludes with a summary activity (e.g., flashcards).
The skills required for these assignments are similar as those necessary to complete the Sample Exams. If you encounter difficulty with an assignment, review the written lesson and then spend additional time with the related practice drills.
Animated videos are scattered throughout the lessons in order to help readers understand some of the more difficult concepts. Animations can present step-by-step information more explicitly–not only that, they are fun to watch and can be repeated as many times as necessary. These videos are meant to complement the lessons–not replace them.
Interactive materials that are done at the computer are included in the Lessons. You will even find some of them in the middle of a video. There is an interactive video at the end of most lessons and videos.
Written assignments in the form of PDF documents are meant to be printed and completed with pencil and paper. For each lesson, there are at least two assignments. One has an answer key that can be accessed for self-grading. Another similar assignment is included for which there is now key. An instructor may choose to have students submit these for a grade. Enrichment assignments are provided for those who wish to be fluent with the C clefs. They are highly recommended for music majors.
Creative projects involve using the theoretical skills learned in the lessons to create your own music. for these projects, you can use the free downloadable music notation software Finale NotePad or other available music notation software program. You will be able to compose music at the computer and then listen to it–even with the correct instrumental sounds.
“Note-ables” are PDF files you will want to print and keep in a notebook. These pages contain quick reference materials for the main concepts included in the text (e.g., major/minor scales construction).