General Theory Menu

A brief explanation of this very common musical term.

Displacement is the idea of shifting notes in a certain direction, learn about the finer points of this here.

Dynamics refer to the volume music is played at. This lesson lists the different markings you will come across and describes what they mean.

Ghost notes are small bracketed notes that often cause confusion in notation. Learn about variations on notation and how to play them in this lesson.

Using the idea of mimicking in part construction.

An brief explanation of what linear patterns are with written examples.

An explanataion of what this term means.

This second lesson on structure refers to how the larger sections of a song can be constructed. Many exercises in our lessons area are based on the...

General time signature theory has been discussed in a previous lesson. Here you will learn about the two main types of time signature and the...

This lesson discusses the structure of full pieces of music. You will learn about sections such as verses and chorus's and the orders they often...

Sticking marks are used to specify the order hands are used in and can be essential when parts become more complicated. This lesson gives some notes on...

Subdivision is the idea of splitting a larger phrase of music into smaller sections.

Tempo refers to the speed a piece of music is played at, learn more in this free lesson.

An introduction to what syncopation is featuring written examples.

This is an absolutely essential topic to at least know the basics of as it is the basis of all things rhythmic. Learn what the two numbers mean and...