It may seem like you don’t have time to teach music theory in your violin lessons because there are so many other things to do. However, neglecting music theory can hurt you in the long run. If we want our students to be good readers and successful orchestral musicians, they have to have (at least) the basics of music theory.
When I think about teaching music theory, I get overwhelmed. Do I need to make my own worksheets? Is there a book I need to buy or that my students need to buy? What if I invest in something, and then I decide I don’t like it?
Fortunately, there are zillions of free printable music theory resources available online. A lot of the work has been done for you!! Hurray! Most of these were made by piano teachers, so the bass notes are there, you can ignore them if you want, but a good musician needs to read bass clef as well, so….Yeah, you decide.
Here is my round up of Ten Free Music Theory Resources for Violin Teachers.
The Ultimate Collection of Music Theory Worksheets and Games.
This exhaustive resource has thirty printable worksheets, seven sets of flashcards, two printable games, and elsewhere on the website, two “arcade games.” So yeah, it’s pretty great.
The Ultimate Music Theory Worksheet Guide: with over 25 Free Printables for Kids
Is this one really the ultimate or the last one? Who knows, but either way, these helpful worksheets include note identification, music intervals, rhythms, circle of fifths, scales, and more.
Major and Minor Key Signatures on the Treble Clef
Key signatures. It seems like I am constantly reminding my kiddos how to figure out key signatures. They may just need to memorize them!
Bar line Worksheets
This worksheet has snippets of music with the bar lines removed so that your students can replace them according to the specified time signature.
Music Notes and Symbols Printables
This printable set includes, flashcards, a memory game, and a matching game. Pretty sweet!
Time Signature Cookies Worksheet
This cute cookie-themed printable offers up a measure of music, and then the student identifies the time signature.
Music Theory for Musicians and Normal People
Here are are loads of printable pdfs about theory, that are more targeted towards teens and adults.
A Music Measure of Math
These printables can help you show your students the fractional relationship between notes and how they fit in a measure.
Printable Music Dice
Yes please. These dice are so fun, and you can play all sorts of games with them. And all you have to do is print, cut and tape! I love to keep things simple.
But if none of these float your boat, you can always make your own! Here is a tutorial for how to make your own music worksheets in Microsoft Word. You’re Welcome!
There we are, ten free music theory resources for violin teachers. It is “key” (haha) that we not only teach our students pieces and good technique, but all the skills they need to be well-rounded musicians. And guess what? That means music theory, too. (I wanted to avoid it, but it just isn’t possible.)
What do you use to teach your students music theory? Right now, my favorite music theory resource is the Memrise app.
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