Music Theory Teacher Resources
Find Music Theory lesson plans and worksheets
Showing 147 resources
Lesson Planet Curated
Changing One's Tune: A Music Therapy STEM Integrated Project
A music therapy STEM integrated project combines science and language arts. Pupils listen to music, learn about music physics, build and play instruments, write songs, and share their musical creations. They study different intervals and...
Lesson Planet Curated
Bass and Treble Clef Theory
For beginners to music theory, these seven worksheets outline reading sheet music, the difference between bass and treble clef staffs, and basic music nomenclature.
Fun Music Company
Writing Major Scales
Designed as an assessment of understanding, this one-page worksheet asks musicians to demonstrate their understanding of scales by drawing C, G, and F Major scales on the provided staffs.
Curated OER
Missing the Major Scales 2
Any musician can tell you, you have to know your scales, key signatures, and notes when reading sheet music. Kids are quizzed on major scales and the notes found with in each scale. They fill in the missing notes and identify each scale.
Fun Music Company
The C Major Scale
Your young musicians will take note of this learning exercise that asks them to mark the half steps in a C major scale and then write the scale in both treble and bass clef.
Fun Music Company
Keys and Circle of Fifths
How sharp are your young musicians? Can they perfectly identify the sharps and flats in each key by completing a circle of fifths diagram? There is solid theory behind this exercise.
WHB Elementary School Band
Circle of Fifths: Major Keys
How many sharps and flats are their in each of the major keys? Help keep your young musicians sharp with a printable template that models how to identify the signature for the major keys' sharps and flats.
Curated OER
Independent Harmonies
Independent harmonies, homophonic music, intervals, and melody are all part of music theory and practice. Prepare your budding musicians for the big time with these activities focused on playing with accompaniment. This lesson is...
Curated OER
Keys and Scales are Sets
Music theory lessons can be very tricky for some people. Children with a basic understanding of musical concepts take on the task of transposing music and identifying scale sets. This would be a good topic to address prior to discussing...
Curated OER
Music Theories
Explore the inception and evolution of hip-hop music as a springboard for writing music reviews and researching other genres of music. Learners will read and discuss the Times' article, From Underground Music to Fashion Statement to then...
Curated OER
How To Play Violin/Fiddle - Violin Basics - G Major Scale/ Left Hand Technique
After watching the violin basics, learn about left hand placement and technique. The close-ups provide a clear view of the player's hands, and he walks us through some notes step-by-step.
Curated OER
Music Theory Fun and Games
Music theory lessons don't have to be dull. Concepts can be taught through motivating games and physical activities.
Curated OER
Music Review Test
Wow this is a really thorough music quiz. There are a total of seven tasks for the class to complete. They must, write the C major scale, identify notes on the staff, write four major keys based on the information provided, identify...
Curated OER
Using Numbers to Teach The Major Scale
Students study the numbers to the diatonic major scale using C note as a basis in this standards-based 45 minute instructional activity. Emphasis is placed on singing correct pitch, rhythmic accuracy, and proper breath control.
Curated OER
Tetrachords and Major scales
Students explore and analyze the structure of a tetrachord and major scales along with their origins and functions in music. They recognize tetrachords and major scales in the context of the music they are practicing at this point in...
Curated OER
Not Your Grandma's Music: A Lesson in Music History
Students experience and discuss the different musical periods such as Baroque, Classical and Romantic. In this music lesson, students discover musical theory and apply it to the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. Students will...
Curated OER
Middle School General Music Unit Plans
Here's a collection of unit plans for middle school musicians. Topics include the mbira, opera, rhythm and culture, music in Africa, music in the movies, music theory and notation, blues and jazz, and the ocarina. Definitely worth a look.
Fun Music Company
Treasure Island Clues: Intervals
You may know about A, B, and C, but now you can include "arrrrr" to the list of music notes to practice! Here is a fun pirate-themed activity in which young musicians determine the intervals of various notes in the treble clef to work...
Fun Music Company
Completing Measures with Rests
Rests. Eighth rests, quarter rests, and half rests are the focus of a one-page worksheet that asks music theory students to complete a series of measures with rests and bar lines.
Curated OER
Classroom Builder
Students explore music theory by discussing a classic song. In this musical notation instructional activity, students listen to the song "My Favorite Things" and discuss and share their personal tastes with the class. Students practice...
California Department of Education
Tension and Release: Creating Mindful Harmony (CTE)
Perhaps the Doobie Brothers said it best when they sang, "Listen to the Music." With the third of four lessons from the Changing One's Tune: A Music Therapy STEM Integrated Project series, pupils discover the connection between music and...
Curated OER
A Musical Composition Experience
Upper graders having skills in music performance will extend their abilities through creative musical composition. They'll use Finale 2000 to explore facets of music composition, they'll then compose a piece for their instrument in C, F,...
Fun Music Company
Bat Trails: Music Symbols
Whether written for Therese, Elisabeth, or for Juliane, young music theory students will enjoy pursuing the clues hidden in music symbols that indicate who wrote "Fur Elise."
Curated OER
Parallel Harmonies
What is a parallel harmony? You and your class can explore musical terminology through song. You define what a parallel harmony is, the class identifies parallel harmony in music they hear, and then you all sing some examples together....
