Do you need a basic Music Theory course that is not babyish? Are you looking for a theory course which will teach or revise the basics in an engaging but age-appropriate way? THIS is why I created this course!
This is Book 1 in the series (more coming very soon - follow me to be the first to see new releases!). The workbook introduces the basics of music theory, which you might want to use as revision for your classes, or to start from the beginning with older learners with no prior music experience. Topics included in Book 1 are:
The Treble Clef
Treble Stave Notes
Practising Treble Stave Notes
Note Values
Rest Values
Dotted Notes
Stems and Tails
Ascending, Descending, Step and Leap
Leger Lines
Bars and Bar Lines
The workbook also contains space for students to make notes, and a self-reflection task for them to evaluate their progress. 2 versions of the booklet are included, one with USA terms (staff, whole note, measure etc) and one with UK terms (stave, semibreve, bar etc). See the product preview for more detail.
The printable workbook is in PDF format and is 14 pages long. There is one page for each of the ten topics, each with clear explanations and two written tasks for pupils. This booklet is versatile and can be used in class, as homework, with whole classes or even by individual piano teachers or instrumental teachers on a one-to-one basis. It is designed to be worked through in order, spending a little time each lesson on theory, over 10 weeks in total.
I have used this booklet for years with my own students, usually from age 8-12, but the clear layout makes it suitable for any age. I have also used it with adult beginner piano pupils, who did not want to work from materials aimed at children. Please let me know how you use it!
Do you need a long-term Music Theory curriculum to suit your middle school students? This bundle contains SIX music theory books designed to cover music theory week by week.
Do you need music workbooks that are not babyish? Are your older learners put off by cute clipart and exercises counting animals? Are you looking for a theory course which will teach or revise the basics in an engaging but age-appropriate way and then lead on to more complex work? THIS is why I created this course!
This bundle contains all the books (1-6) in the series. They introduce/revise the basics of music theory then lead on to more advanced topics. Topics included are:
The Treble Clef
Treble Staff Notes
Practicing Treble Staff Notes
Note Values
Rest Values
Dotted Notes
Stems and Tails
Ascending, Descending, Step and Leap
Leger Lines
Measures and Bar Lines
16th notes (semiquavers) and beaming
Simple Time Signatures
Ties
Tempo
Tempo Changes
Dynamics
Further Dynamics
Bass Staff
Further Bass Staff
Accidentals
Intervals
Steps and Half Steps
More Leger Lines
Compound Time
Major Key Signatures
Scales
Tonic Triads
Signs and Symbols
Sequences
Italian Terms
Simple Time Groupings
Further Key Signatures
Relative Minors
Chords I, IV and V
Triplets
Further Tempo
Enharmonic
Transpose an Octave
More Signs and Symbols
Further Compound Time
Compound Time Groupings
Arpeggios
Minor Scales
Chords in Major Keys
Chords in Minor Keys
Ornaments
Cadences
Transcribing Between Clefs
Pentatonic Scales
Other Time Signatures
More Key Signatures
Inversions
Further Italian Terms
More Cadences
Circle of Fifths
Transposing
Further Intervals
More Triads
More Chord Types
Each workbook also contains space for students to make notes, and a self-reflection task for them to evaluate their progress, ideal for your tracking and reporting each semester. 2 versions of each booklet are included, one with USA terms (staff, whole note, measure etc) and one with UK terms (stave, semibreve, bar etc).
The printable workbooks are in PDF format. Each is 14 pages long. Every topic has clear explanations and two written tasks for your students to complete. These booklets are versatile and can be used in class, as homework, with whole classes or even by individual piano teachers or instrumental teachers on a one-to-one basis. They designed to be worked through in order, spending a little time each lesson on theory over an extended period of time, supplementing your usual curriculum.
I have used this series for years with my own students, usually from age 8-16, but the clear layout makes it suitable for any age. I have also used it with adult beginner piano pupils, who did not want to work from materials aimed at children. Please let me know how you use it!
These theory workbooks are not affiliated with any particular curriculum or examination board, but are at roughly the following levels.
Books 1-3 cover approximately:
ABRSM grade 1 theory
Trinity grade 1 theory
LCM grade 1 theory
RCM Canada grade 1-2
AMEB Australia grade 1
Scottish SQA National 5
England/Wales pre-GCSE (year 8-9)
Books 4-6 cover approximately:
ABRSM grade 2 theory
Trinity grade 2 theory
LCM grade 2 theory
RCM Canada grade 3
AMEB Australia grade 2
Scottish SQA Higher and Advanced Higher
England/Wales GCSE
These sub plans are a must-have for your music classes! All 8 require no prep, little/no technology, and are suitable for non-specialist teachers. The worksheets are ready to print and go for cover work, supply teachers, emergencies, quiet lessons and independent work.
This set of sub plans includes:
A Year of Music
A-Z Questions
Composer Profile
Film Music Moment
Plan a Jukebox Musical
Plan a Music Festival
Song Research Task
Stop the Bus
The worksheets have been designed with convenience in mind! Print and copy a class set of each and keep them in your sub tub or folder with the overview sheets. Pupils answer on paper to save copying new sheets each time! Overview and recording sheets are included: when a cover teacher needs a lesson, you or they can see at a glance which classes have done which sheets, and which sheet will be best for that class.
Each worksheet should last a lesson (assuming 50-60 minutes) and there are suggestions of extension activities for fast finishers or to differentiate for mixed ability classes. General, open questions make these suitable for a range of ages and abilities. The sheets are dyslexia-friendly with careful choice of layout and fonts. Pupils can work independently with no assistance from the teacher, perfect for non-specialists.
The worksheets cover a range of topics so you are sure to find something any situation. Each has an icon in the corner to help you sort them quickly if they get mixed up. The range included means these can be used for many different classes. They are aimed at Y7-10 (Scottish BGE S1-3) but the open-question nature of the worksheets allow them to be used for older or younger students too.
I really hope you find this product useful! I have used these successfully with my classes for years and they are so convenient for subs.
I’d recommend pairing this resource with my Music Games Bundle - another staple to have ready in your classroom for emergencies! Or if you want to stock up your sub tub, check out my Music Sub Bundle, with 34 different sub plans!
Freshen up your emergency sub plans or cover work for your music department with this value bundle of high quality cover worksheets! These 34 different worksheets are suitable for subs, general music, make-up lessons, homework and more! No prep worksheets which are ready to print and go, with differentiated options, covering a range of popular topics for general music classes. Great for back-to-school, these will ensure you are ready for emergency absences all year long!
What’s included?
My best-selling set of sub plans x8
A set of differentiated wordsearches x16
Classical composer worksheets with reading comprehension and questions x10
Tell me more!
As educators, we often feel guilty when we have to leave tedious work for another teacher in our absence. This bundle is full of high-quality worksheets which will keep your students engaged and using their brains (instead of becoming bored completing mindless treble clef note worksheets on repeat!). No prior knowledge (or teacher knowledge) is needed, so they are ideal for leaving with non-specialists for any class. Minimal or no technology is needed for each of the worksheets, and no instruments are required, so the worksheets are perfect for any classroom set up.
The range of topics makes these suitable for all kinds of classes - general music, band, choir etc. They are also open enough, and include differentiated versions, so they are appropriate for a wide range of year group levels, saving you time and money by not purchasing multiple sub plans or cover work packets.
I really hope you find this product useful! I have used these successfully with my classes for years and they are so convenient for leaving when I am absent.
Do you need a full year Music Theory course to suit your middle or high school students? This bundle contains THREE music theory books desgined to cover basic music theory week by week. Need something that is not babyish? Are your older pupils put off by cute clipart and exercises counting animals? Are you looking for a theory course which will teach or revise the basics in an engaging but age-appropriate way? THIS is why I created this course!
This bundle contains books 1, 2 and 3 in the series. They introduce the basics of music theory, which you might want to use as revision for your classes, or to start from the beginning with older learners with no prior music experience. Topics included are:
The Treble Clef
Treble Clef Notes
Practising Treble Clef Notes
Note Values
Rest Values
Dotted Notes
Stems and Tails
Ascending, Descending, Step and Leap
Leger Lines
Bars and Bar Lines
Semiquavers and Beaming
Simple Time Signatures
Ties
Tempo
Tempo Changes
Dynamics
Further Dynamics
Bass Clef
Further Bass Clef
Accidentals
Intervals
Tone and Semitones
More Leger Lines
Compound Time
Major Key Signatures
Scales
Tonic Triads
Signs and Symbols
Sequences
Italian Terms
Each workbook also contains space for students to make notes, and a self-reflection task for them to evaluate their progress, ideal for your tracking and reporting each semester. 2 versions of each booklet are included, one with USA terms (staff, whole note, measure etc) and one with UK terms (stave, semibreve, bar etc). See the product preview for more detail.
The printable workbooks are in PDF format. Each is 14 pages long. Every topic has clear explanations and two written tasks for your students to complete. This booklet is versatile and can be used in class, as homework, with whole classes or even by individual piano teachers or instrumental teachers on a one-to-one basis. It is designed to be worked through in order, spending a little time each lesson on theory, over 30 weeks in total.
I have used this series for years with my own students, usually from age 8-14, but the clear layout makes it suitable for any age. I have also used it with adult beginner piano pupils, who did not want to work from materials aimed at children. Please let me know how you use it!
These theory workbooks are not affiliated with any particular curriculum or examination board, but are designed to cover the majority of the content of several, including:
England/Wales Key Stage 3
Scottish SQA National 5
ABRSM grade 1 theory
Trinity grade 1 theory
LCM grade 1 theory
RCM Canada grade 1-2
AMEB Australia grade 1
Looking for something more advanced? Bundle 2 contains books 4-6 which covers more advanced music theory topics. Find it in my TES shop!
Double up your cover work for your music classes!
This bundle contains my best-selling set of cover / sub lesson plans and wordsearches - 24 sheets in total! Great for back-to-school, this will make sure any potential cover work for your classes this year is sorted! Sickness, courses, exams, emergencies - whatever the reason for your absence, you will know these no-prep worksheets are ready to go.
Are you fed up leaving mindless work for your cover staff? Can’t leave detailed work for a non-music specialist? Do you need to engage your students in your absence, and want them to use their brains? These worksheets and wordsearches will solve your problems!
No prep - just print and go
Differentiated
Suitable for non-specialists
Students work independently
No tech/minimal tech
The range of topics makes these suitable for all kinds of classes. They are also open enough, and include differentiated versions, so they are appropriate for a wide range of year groups, saving you time and money by not purchasing multiple sub plans. Little or no prior knowledge is needed to complete them.
I really hope you find this product useful! I have used these successfully with my classes for years. Cover and supply teachers have commented on how easy they are to use for a non-specialist and that the pupils were happily engaged in the work for the lesson. The worksheets can also be used for quiet lessons, fast finishers, homework or when you just need some written work for a student who can’t or won’t engage in the class lesson!
Looking for even more value? Check out this bundle of music worksheets for emergencies!
This is something a bit different and unique!
This product is a Rainforest/Jungle Soundscape. It contains 10 images and 10 sounds, which can be layered and played in any order to create a soundscape.
To purchase a complete creative writing lesson, built around using this soundscape, check out this product here or the Farmyard version here!
Please note: You MUST have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer/mac to run this resource. The animations will not work properly in the browser version or on alternative software such as Google slides.
Your pupils are sure to love this different approach to creative writing!
Using an interactive soundscape, you and your pupils can explore 10 different rainforest and jungle sounds and use this to prompt writing. It also develops listening skills, encourages imagination and is a fun way to rethink story writing.
This resource contains:
interactive soundscape (I think this is a unique type of product on TES!)
pupil worksheets (4 tasks)
teacher instructions
terms of use and credits
The soundscape on its own is available for free from my store if you want to try before you buy - or just look at the video preview above to see it in action. Other soundscape stories, including farm, space and enchanted forest coming soon!
Please note: you MUST have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer/mac to run this resource. The animations will not work properly in the browser version or on alternative software such as Google slides
These wordsearches are fantastic for music cover work! 16 differentiated worksheets, no prep, print and go, and suitable for non-specialist teachers. Tired of leaving mindless puzzles for your class when you have a substitute teacher? These wordsearches require pupils to answer questions, research or use their knowledge too! As well as sub plans, they are great for end-of-year, summarizing a topic, independent work, homework, fast finishers and more!
What’s included:
Composers
Music Signs and Symbols
Music Technology
Musical Genres
Musicals
Orchestral Instruments
Popular Artists
Popular Bands
This product is more than just a wordsearch - each one is differentiated! There are 8 different wordsearches with 2 versions of each - a basic wordsearch with a word list, and a more advanced version which involves more pupil work. See the preview for examples!
The worksheets have been designed with convenience in mind! Print and copy and keep them in your sub tub or folder. Pupils can work independently with no assistance from the teacher, perfect for non-specialists.
The wordsearches cover a range of topics. Each has an icon in the corner to help your classroom organization. They are aimed at lower secondary school, but would also be suitable for older or younger classes too. I know as a music teacher, I have to teach a range of ages, and I love when I find a resource I can reuse with different classes!
I really hope you find this product useful! I have used these successfully with my classes for years and they are so convenient to leave for my classes for when I am absent, on a trip, rehearsing a concert or dealing with exams.
I’d recommend pairing this resource with my Music Games Bundle - another staple to have ready in your classroom for emergencies! Like the worksheets, most of the games can be used independently by pupils, without a specialist teacher. Or, save money and stock up your cover worksheets with my Music Sub Bundle - 34 different worksheets to use in emergencies!
Based on the popular family game of finding the matching pair on two cards, this is a fun way for your pupils to practise recognising intruments, including orchestral, popular and folk instruments.
This could be used with classes of all ages. The images are high quality, accurate pictures of instruments purchased and used with permission.
The printable cards are included in PDF and PowerPoint format.
This bright, colourful, printable bunting will brighten up any classroom, rehearsal space or even your instrument storage shelves!
There are 28 flags/banners, each with a different instrument and its name. The images are high quality and accurate. The download contains the file in PowerPoint and PDF formats. Each flag is approximately 15 cm x 20 cm (6 inches x 8 inches).
Do you need a basic Music Theory course that is not babyish? Are your middle school or older learners put off by cute clipart and exercises counting animals? Are you looking for a theory course which will teach or revise the basics in an engaging but age-appropriate way? THIS is why I created this course!
This is Book 2 in the series. Books 1-3 introduce the basics of music theory, which you might want to use as revision for your classes, or to start from the beginning with older learners with no prior music experience. Topics included in Book 2 are:
Semiquavers (16th notes) and beaming
Simle Time Signatures
Ties
Tempo
Tempo Changes
Dynamics
Further Dynamics
Bass Clef
Further Bass Clef
Accidentals
The workbook also contains space for students to make notes, and a self-reflection task for them to evaluate their progress. 2 versions of the booklet are included, one with USA terms (staff, whole note, measure etc) and one with UK terms (stave, semibreve, bar etc). See the product preview for more detail.
The printable workbook is in PDF format and is 14 pages long. There is one page for each of the ten topics, each with clear explanations and two written tasks for pupils. This booklet is versatile and can be used in class, as homework, with whole classes or even by individual piano teachers or instrumental teachers on a one-to-one basis. It is designed to be worked through in order, spending a little time each lesson on theory, over 10 weeks in total.
This workbook follows on from book 1 (available here) and can be followed by books 3-6!
I have used this booklet for years with my own students, usually from age 8-12, but the clear layout makes it suitable for any age. I have also used it with adult beginner piano pupils, who did not want to work from materials aimed at young children. Please let me know how you use it!
This ready-to-go, printable scavenger hunt activity will engage your pupils as they learn about the elements of music! Using reading passages, questions and code words, your students will be actively involved in their learning as they move around the room to complete the task.
Your students can work alone or in groups to solve clues, following a fun storyline about a musical laboratory, where the elements of music are mixed to make compositions. Students move around the room, reading 10 passages of information as they search for the clues to solve the mystery word and code required to finish the scavenger hunt. They will love the friendly competition of trying to be the first to complete the mystery!
If you are looking for a unique way to introduce the elements of music (Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Tempo, Time Signatures, Texture, Structure, Style, Timbre, Dynamics) while encouraging movement and problem solving skills, this product is perfect for you. You can hang the cards on the wall, hide them, scatter them on the floor: How you choose to set it up in your classroom is up to you.
Students will revisit each card text multiple times, practicing reading comprehension and critical thinking skills as they rotate around the room seeking text evidence. To ensure understanding of the subject matter, students will answer questions that can be found directly in the reading passages. No prior knowledge is needed.
WHAT I LOVE: This activity is ready to print and go - set up time is minimal. No prior knowledge is required so it can be an exciting way to introduce the elements of music as a topic. It can even be used with a sub! No technology, instruments or specialist knowledge is needed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
10 Short Reading Passages
10 Questions
Student Answer Sheet
Student Directions
Teacher Directions
Teacher Answer Key
For teachers in Scotland, the elements match the SQA headings of Understanding Music/listening concepts. However, this game has been designed so that the information very broad and general, and is not specific to any particular curriculum so can be used by anyone!
This upper primary/lower secondary music listening unit is flexible and ready to use. No prep, no tech, no instruments - use it whatever your teaching situation!
Saint-Saens’ Danse Macabre is a classical favorite, especially at Halloween. Your students will be engaged in the creepy story and timeless music.
This unit lasts around 4 lessons and covers the following:
multiple listening tasks
background on composer
symphonic poem
waltz
canon
polyphonic
short rhythmic composition
theory tasks
recognising instruments
describing the music
recognising signs and symbols
creative response/non-music tasks
pupil workbook (10 pages PDF format, color and grayscale versions)
teacher notes/lesson plans with answers (4 pages PDF format)
bonus printable cards for listening activities
suggestions of differentiation/extension/enrichment activities
Included are UK and USA versions (bar/measure, crotcher/quarter note etc) as well as colour and black and white versions for your printing preference.
The audio is not included, for copyright/licensing reasons, but I have an included a link - it is easy to find on all major platforms. The only technology you require is something to play the audio from (eg a computer, CD player or bluetooth speaker) making this product ideal for teachers without a fixed room or access to technology.
No instruments are required as all rhythm exercises can be clapped.
Despite the “no instruments, no technology” label, this is a jam-packed, engaging and comprehesive unit. It will fit in to any music class and curriculum!
I really hope you enjoy this product. Don’t forget to leave a review and follow my store to find similar products on other classical pieces, with more being added all the time!
This product is aimed at approximately Key Stage 3.
Are your pupils ready for some more advanced theory such as compound time, chords and cadences? Whether you are revising music theory or teaching older learners from the beginning, you will want a Music Theory course that is not babyish, covers lots of ground and includes self reflection tasks.
This is Book 5 in the series. Books 1-3 introduce the basics of music theory, which you might want to use as revision for your classes, or to start from the beginning with older learners with no prior music experience. Books 4-6 build on basic knowledge, moving on to more complex topics. Topics included in Book 5 are:
Further Compound Time
Compound Time Groupings
Arpeggios
Minor Scales
Chords in Major Keys
Chords in Minor Keys
Ornaments
Cadences
Transcribing Between Clefs
Pentatonic Scales
The workbook also contains space for students to make notes, and a self-reflection task for them to evaluate their progress. 2 versions of the booklet are included, one with USA terms (staff, whole note, measure etc) and one with UK terms (stave, semibreve, bar etc). See the product preview for more detail.
The printable workbook is in PDF format and is 14 pages long. There is one page for each of the ten topics, each with clear explanations and two written tasks for pupils. This booklet is versatile and can be used in class, as homework, with whole classes or even by individual piano teachers or instrumental teachers on a one-to-one basis. It is designed to be worked through in order, spending a little time each lesson on theory, over 10 lessons in total.
This workbook follows on from books 1-3 and book 4. Coming soon - book 6!
I have used this booklet for years with my own pupils, usually from age 10-13, but the clear layout makes it suitable for any age. I have also used it with adult beginner piano pupils, who did not want to work from materials aimed at young children. Please let me know how you use it!
These theory workbooks are not affiliated with any particular curriculum or examination board, but books 4-6 are aimed at the following approximate levels:
ABRSM grade 2 theory
Trinity grade 2 theory
LCM grade 2 theory
RCM Canada grade 3
AMEB Australia grade 2
Scottish SQA Higher and Advanced Higher
England/Wales GCSE
Do you need music theory quizzes to test your students’ knowledge of basic theory, such as treble and bass clef notes, note values, time signatures, dynamics, tempo, signs and symbols?
Use them for:
assessments
homework
tracking/monitoring
extension work for fast finishers
leaving for a sub or cover teacher
The quizzes can be used alone but they have been designed to work perfectly with my set of Theory Workbooks 1-3. I use them to test pupils’ knowledge and understanding at the end of each book.
2 versions are included - UK and US terminology (crotchets/quarter notes, stave/staff etc).
There are so many music theory resources are available, but this course has been designed with older beginners in mind, and progresses beyond the basics. There are 9 quizzes in total; 3 sets of 3. Each set is progressively harder than the last. You can spend a little time on theory each lesson, fitting it in around your usual curriculum, and giving your students an excellent grounding in musical literacy!
Do you need an interactive game for your music class to revise treble clef notes? Make learning treble staff notes FUN with this digital game! Designed to look like a fidget/pop toy, students compete against one another to name the notes on the treble clef and rack up points. No prep, just open the file and play!
What’s included?
A digital game which runs in PowerPoint
2 versions (with and without ledger line notes)
28 questions in each game
Self checking - answers are displayed at the click of a button
Clear instructions
Tell me more!
Keeping students engaged in theory work can be tough, especially the older ones! This product is fun and colorful without looking too childish. Students enjoy the competitive nature of trying to answer more questions correctly than their classmates. The “fidget pop” design is always a hit, and there’s something very satisfying about popping the buttons to answer questions, check answers, and add to your score.
Having two different difficulty versions of the game allows you to return to the activity later on in the year with the more difficult version, or to differentiate your lesson by having some students using each version depending on their ability.
Your students will be able to work independently as the answers are included in the game. It can be used with teams, as a whole class activity, or single players to fit your class requirements.
This product could also be used by piano teachers or other instrumental tutors looking for a fresh way to revise note names.
The game is easy to follow and instructions are included.
Please note: this is a PowerPoint file and you must have PowerPoint installed to run it. The game will not function correctly on Google Slides or other alternative software. This resource works really well on touchscreens/interactive whiteboards but is just as much fun on laptops/netbooks/PCs.
Are you more of a paper person? I also have printable games for revising treble clef notes.
This is a fun introduction to aural skills and melodic and rhythmic dictation. Designed for upper primary/lower secondary but suitable for all ages with some modification.
This resource contains reusable, printable pupil sheets, instructions, TOU and a PowerPoint with 45 questions, including audio and answers. There are 3 rounds of 5 questions in each heading: MELODY, RHYTHM and INTERVALS. Each round has clear instructions and gets progressively harder. This makes this resource ideal for using over weeks of lessons.
Not included - counters (alternatives: dry-wipe markers, buttons, reusable stickers, balls of play-dough or modelling clay - my sensory/tactile learners LOVE this option!)
If you like the look of this resource, please check out my TES shop for more Music games and activities!
Based on the popular family game, this is a fun way to revise musical signs and symbols! Suitable for all ages. This full version of the game has 31 cards, each with 6 different signs/symbols, from 31 symbols in total.
Every pair of cards will have one, and only one, matching pair. The aim is to spot it before your opponents - and if you can define the symbol, you keep the card. Finish with the most cards, and you win the game!
Looking for a free, print-and-go music theory activity for your music class? No prep, interactive and engaging, these printable cards and games are a great addition to any music teacher’s toolkit!
What’s included?
20 Treble Clef Note Cards: Each card displays notes from C to A, covering ledger lines and varied note values.
3 Game Instruction Cards: Each game card introduces a unique activity that uses the note cards, with straightforward directions for seamless classroom integration.
Tell me more!
The games are age-appropriate & engaging, appealing to middle school/Year 7-9/S1-3 but adaptable for other age groups too. Striking a balance of fun but not childish, your students can enjoy some games and puzzles in their music theory work. Having a range of games printed and ready-to-go is a must in my music classroom. I keep them in a zip case on my desk, ready to pull out when I need an extra activity, brain break or task for fast finishers.
Theory revision
Rhythm work
Aural/ear skills
Treble clef notes
Group work
Individual work
Pair work
Fast finishers
Ice breakers
Mini compositions
PDF format
Want to upgrade?
This free version of the resource features 20 different flashcards and 3 suggestions of games you can use. A full version is available in my store, with 10 more cards, 4 different designs (including black & white option) and 5 additional games. There are also Autumn, Halloween and Christmas versions, with more coming soon!