Fun Activities for Teaching Music Theory

If you have ever taught music to a child, then you have likely experienced the groan when you mention the dreaded word...THEORY! Here are some things I have tried that make learning music theory a bit more fun!

Music Theory Matching Game

I teach piano to children ranging in age from 5-14 years old and none of them enjoy theory. With that being said, I have tried to create activities to teach them theory and be enjoyable at the same time...like the music theory matching game.

For this game, I made my own theory matching cards by using a Word document and free clipart I found online. Here is an example of a set of flash cards:

I make at least 10 matching sets of cards and laminate them so they hold up better.

To play this game, simply mix up the cards and place on the floor or table in a grid format. Take turns with your student by choosing two cards. Are they matches? If yes, can the student tell you what the music theory symbol means?

Whoever has the most matches at the end of the game is the winner!

Download our FREE music theory flash cards and print two copies to use for the music theory matching game! Click here.

Music Theory Ball

The Music Theory Ball is by far the most requested theory activity I have. For this activity, you need a small rubber ball (maybe half the size of a basketball) and a Sharpie or other permanent marker. A ball with a smooth finish and solid color works best.

Using the Sharpie draw music theory symbols and terms all around the ball. Try to cover the surface as much as you can. I made two balls, one for beginners and one for more advanced students.

To play, simply toss the ball back and forth. Whatever symbol or term your right thumb lands on is the one you have to give an explanation of. The children love it!

Music Theory Animal Actions Rhythm Game

I ran across this fun music theory game online at Pinterest. Sara Mullett shared her fun way to have kids learn rhythms and get them moving at the same time!

To prepare the cards for this game, you can go over to the Let's Play Music website and print off the cards for free. Again, I laminate them so they are a bit more sturdy.

There are a couple of ways this game can be played. We place the cards in a pile, face down. Each child takes turns drawing a card from the top, then acting out the type of movement that would best represent the animal and the rhythm. For example, the elephant stomps four quarter notes. Stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp! Or, for the snail slide, imagine sliding your feet across the floor as you count "1-2, 2-2, 3-2, 4-2."

Music Theory Worksheets

You can also try free printable worksheets found online. There are lots to be found and they make a nice change from the same old theory workbook. Try this fun Pinterest page for ideas: Music Theory Ideas from Pinterest.

I hope there are some fun ideas here that will work for you -- give them a try, have fun, and feel free to share your own ideas for teaching music theory in the comments below!

--Christine

Christine's favorite music theory books:




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