To be able to become a skilled musician and craft quality music, one must learn the fundamentals of music. Music theory is all about knowing the basics of this art, its formation, organization, and interpretation.
While producing music might seem an open path of feeling but it actually requires clarity of the musical terms, notes, chords, etc. Whether a pianist or a singer, piano music theory is important and useful at different stages of creating music.
Some reasons that make it essential for musicians to learn piano music theory are;
Knowledge of piano music theory can help pianists to compose their original music.
Music is an emotion, playing the piano with proper notions like dynamics and articulation adds a deep emotional expression to the performance.
Familiarity with different chords and notes gives a better understanding of effective improvisations.
Have productive sessions with other musicians by interchanging music in different keys.
What is Piano Theory?
As we discussed the importance of learning piano music theory, you must be curious to know what exactly is piano music theory. Well, a piano theory is basically an in-depth study of various aspects of music.
It involves information about various chords, notes, and pitches, along with different styles like articulation, dynamics, timbre, rhythm, etc. Learning piano theory enables musicians to find their personal style. Once you understand the technical aspects, you can easily create a thoughtful piece rich with expression.
Music Theory Piano Notes
Music theory tells us that each note as an individual is interconnected with another. Together these notes become an ethereal melody. There are 7 notes on the piano named after the alphabets. These are A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Each note has its distinct intensity and is arranged in ascending order: (lowest to highest).
There are four ways through which each note interconnects with one another. Interval is the first one and is calculated in half or complete steps. It is the distance between the two notes. Following interval is the harmony. It involves two notes being played from bottom to top line at the same time. Melody is the third connection and is played from left to right.
Altogether, these notes are represented by "staff": five horizontal lines and four spaces, they tell the performer about the pitch and duration of certain keys.
List of Best Piano Theory Books
Learning piano theory is as important as learning grammar for a new language. Knowing which chord produces what pitch makes playing piano ten times easier. While there are countless books available on the internet for learning piano theory, here are some treasured theory materials that will be a great help to you in your learning.
'Fundamentals of Piano Theory by Keith Snell'
This book is the most useful for beginners learning from the basics to the advanced level of musical elements.
'Piano Adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber'
The authors of this book have covered all the essentials of music theory and organized it in an easy-to-understand format. As a beginner, you will find each topic from chords to notes and rhythm in this book.
'Music Theory For Computer Musicians'
This book by Michael Hevitt is for musicians interested in electronic music and the technical aspects related to it. It has topics like rhythmic patterns, scales, and chords.
'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory'
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory' is all about notations, melody, rhythm, and harmony. The book is written in easy English to bring clarity to the concepts for beginners.
'The Jazz Piano Book'
If you are interested in topics like chord progressions, scales, sight-reading, etc, then this book by Mark Levine is perfect for you.
Piano music theory is essential for musicians to learn as without learning the basics you won't be able to create high-end quality music.