This is the final book in a series of 6, aimed at teaching more advanced music theory to older students. If you need a Music Theory course that is not babyish, includes varied written exercises and self reflection, moving far beyond basic note names and note values, this is for you!
This is Book 6 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 6 are:
Other Time Signatures (including irregular)
More Key Signatures (up to 5 sharps and flats)
Inversions
Further Italian Terms
More Cadences
Circle of Fifths
Transposing
Further Intervals (major, minor and perfect)
More Triads (augmented, diminished)
More Chord Types (diminished 7th, dominant 7th, addded 6th)
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).
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 books 1-5. The books are available to purchase individually from my TES store, or save some money by purchasing all 6 as a bundle!
I have used this booklet for years with my own students, usually from age 12-16, 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 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:
England/Wales GCSE
Scottish SQA Higher and Advanced Higher
ABRSM grade 2 theory
Trinity grade 2 theory
LCM grade 2 theory
RCM Canada grade 3
AMEB Australia grade 2
Do you need music theory quizzes to test your students’ knowledge of more advanced music theory, such as intervals, compound time signatures, chords, inversions and Italian terms?
Use them for:
assessments
homework
tracking/monitoring
extension work for fast finishers
leaving for a sub
The quizzes can be used alone (see the preview for topics covered) but they have been designed to work perfectly with my set of Theory Workbooks 4-6. 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 to progress beyond the basics, on to more complex work. 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!
Are you looking for a Halloween activity for your students that reinforces their treble clef note reading and playing skills? This activity is like a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt! Your pupils will be active and engaged as they search the classroom for ghosts and use them to complete their sheet music before practising it on their instruments.
This activity will suit a range of ages. It is fun without being babyish and can be easily completed in one lesson. The sheet music can be played on any treble clef instrument.
With minimal prep (printing and hiding the ghosts), you will have a fun Halloween lesson suitable for a range of music classes. The students will go on a treasure hunt, finding the ghosts, and writing the missing notes on their sheet music.
This is a great game for a little Halloween fun, and reinforces the theory and instrumental skills the students have been working on!
Full teacher instructions are included, answers, and a lead sheet with lyrics for the teacher.
Here is a quick and easy Christmas lesson! This worksheet is ready to print-and-go for last minute Christmas lessons. It contains 24 anagrams of Christmas songs and movie titles, such as “Holidays by Mr C” (Mary’s Boy Child) and “Every year mirth scorns me” (Merry Christmas, Everyone). Some easy, some trickier, your students will love this fun holiday quiz as they unscramble the letters to find the music and film answers!
What’s included?
1 printable worksheet
Answer key
Tell me more
I typically use this with my secondary pupils on the last week before the winter break. It could be used in class, pupils can work individually or in teams, they could use the internet to help if you like, or you could use it as an alternative option for pupils not participating in a concert or field trip. It could also be left for a sub or cover teacher as it requires no specialist knowledge or teacher input.
While I created it for my music classes, it could be used in any subject at all!
At just £1.25, you’ll not find a cheaper ready-to-go lesson!
Anything else?
If you’re looking for something with more music, this Elf Hunt will have your students searching for missing bars of music, before playing a holiday classic on instruments.
I hope you enjoy this lesson - don’t forget to follow me and leave a review. Thanks!
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.
Add an autumn touch to your music classroom with these treble clef note cards! Featuring a sweet autumn leaves design, these printable cards bring a fall aesthetic to music theory practice (pumpkin spice latte not included!!). Perfect for your music classroom, each game is crafted to be engaging and interactive, making it easier to teach and reinforce treble clef notes in a fun way.
What’s Included?
30 Treble Clef Note Cards: Each card displays notes from C to A with ledger lines and varied note values, with a falling leaves design.
8 Game Instruction Cards: Each game card is also themed and provides instructions for a unique activity, ideal for capturing students’ attention and facilitating a range of music theory games.
Tell me more!
A few weeks into the school year can be an ideal time to summarise, consolidate and revise the music theory you have been working on. These autumn-themed cards come at the perfect time to play some music classroom games! Designed with age 9-14 students in mind, the activities are more involved than similar primary school products on the market, but are easily suited for capable younger students or older beginners too - ideal for those of us teaching an all-through timetable!
Adaptable for all ages and abilities
Easy to differentiate
Theory revision
Rhythm work
Aural/ear skills
Treble clef notes
Group work
Individual work
Pair work
Fast finishers
Ice breakers
Mini compositions
PDF format
Check out my store for more music lessons, resources and games!
Are you looking for a fun, interactive, no-prep addition to your Instruments of the Orchestra lessons? This digital game allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. With its fun, racing car theme, the competition will have your students excited and enthusiastic!
**What’s included? **
Digital interactive PowerPoint game
Racecar theme
20 questions on instruments of the orchestra
Instructions
Optional printable answer cards
Tell me more!
The game can be played as individuals or in up to 4 teams. Every player answers every question, and can move their racecar one space for each correct answer. Optional printable write-on cards are included, if you want your students to write their answers down, but the game can be played without them too.
The game is easy to follow and instructions are included. It could be sent to pupils to play on their own, or you could project it for the full class to play together.
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.
Looking for a fun game to revise music theory and literacy? This matching activity with musical symbols is the perfect addition to your music classroom! Interactive, engaging and ready to print and go!
What’s included?
30 printable playing cards
31 different musical signs and symbols (shown in thumbnails and below)
6 signs/symbols on each card
Instructions
Tell me more!
This product is based on the popular matching card game. Each pair of cards will have one symbol which matches - the players have to spot it and say what it is! With an added twist in this version, the player can only keep the cards they “spotted and matched” if they can also define the musical sign or symbol - so they will be revising their musical literacy without even realising!
Save time and money - print and laminate these cards once and use them in a multitude of ways in your music classes! Ideal for time-fillers, fast finishers, centers, revision, end-of-year fun and more. If you teach multiple classes (general music, theory, appreciation…) or multiple year groups, you will LOVE that these cards can be used in different settings. I am a big fan of games that students can play in pairs or small groups! It’s great for their self esteem and social skills.
UPDATED to include USA and UK terms (whole note/semibreve, staff/stave etc).
Also available: Spot & Match It - Musical Instruments. Don’t forget to follow my store for more solutions for your music classroom, and leave a review!
Signs and symbols included:
staff/stave
treble clef
bass clef
semiquaver
quaver
quaver rest
crotchet
crotchet rest
minim
semibreve
semibreve rest
dotted minim
tie
triplets
pianissimo
piano
mezzo piano
mezzo forte
forte
fortissimo
crescendo
accent
staccato
pause/fermata
coda
grace note
repeat sign
sharp
flat
natural
ottava
Refresh your music classroom with this bundle of over 20 engaging games, packaged into 5 versatile products—including my top-selling “Spot & Match It” cards! Perfect for a range of ages and settings, these no-prep activities are a must-have for music teachers juggling multiple stages and settings.
What’s Included:
Spot & Match it: Instruments
Spot & Match It: Signs and Symbols
Treble Clef Game Cards
Instrument Game Cards
Musicianship Ear Training
Tell Me More!
Designed with ages 10-14 in mind but effective across ages a range of ages, this bundle offers fun, interactive ways to teach and reinforce key musical concepts. Whether you’re covering basic theory, practicing aural skills, or just need something engaging for revision, these games deliver!
Use them as exit tickets, revision tools, or a go-to for fast finishers. With a mix of curriculum-based activities and just-for-fun options, these games can energise any lesson. Plus, they’re no-prep—simply print, laminate if you wish, and play!
Keeping older students engaged can be tough - these games are fun and challenging without being childish. These activities are ready to use, just print and laminate once, and save prep time for years to come! They are ideal to integrate into your lessons, or to pull out for last-minute time fillers! Instructions are included so they can even be left for subs.
This bundle has been tried, tested, and loved by music teachers around the world—add it to your collection today! Don’t forget to leave a review if you and your students enjoyed playing these games.
Run out of time to get your classroom back-to-school ready? Don’t panic! This easy bulletin board idea gets your students involved in the process and gives you the chance to get to know new classes… win-win!
Students will love the retro vibe of the vinyl records as well as the opportunity to share their favourite music with you.
This resource contains a suggested heading and choice of three pupil “records” to print. Everything can be printed in black and white - save your printing budget! Print on coloured paper to tie in with your classroom theme, or allow students to colour in and decorate their records.
I hope you love decorating your classroom with these fun, retro records and use them to get to know your pupils’ musical tastes. I would love to see pictures of your wall once it is done!
For more easy classroom decor, see my store for this fun and colorful Instrument Bunting.
Looking to refresh your classroom games? I have a bundle of great fun music games too!
Based on the popular family game, this is a fun way to revise musical signs and symbols! Suitable for all ages.
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!
Printable motivation/reward stickers for your music students! 10 different designs are included, in PDF and PowerPoint format, with one that will suit every student, regardless of age and gender. Some designs are black & white for easy & cheaper printing.
I originally arranged this piece to be a fun technique exercise for my vocal group to work on after concert season – but it proved to be such a hit we included it in the next show!
This is a short, snappy arrangement of the Scott Joplin favourite, Maple Leaf Rag. What it lacks in length (around 30 seconds!) it more than makes up for with content – your choir will work on their pitch, chromatic intervals, syncopation, dynamic contrast and more! If your choir find the soprano 1 part too difficult, it could be played on an instrument with the choir providing the accompaniment through the other parts. Once the choir knows it well, it can be used as a really fun warm-up exercise too!
This is a simple piano arrangement of a fun, popular Halloween piece which could also be enjoyed year-round. Beginner-intermediate pupils who can read the full stave should learn this piece reasonably quickly. Each hand features single melody or two note chords, with changes of hand position including up to one leger line. The rhythms are very straightforward. This arrangement is 12 bars long, includes no syncopation, one flat in the key signature, dynamics and fingering suggestions.
The downloadable file is in PDF format and features helpful tips for the pupil and teacher. The lyrics are also included in case your pupil wants to sing along!
This could be used in one-to-one lessons, for recitals, in larger piano or keyboard classes or just for fun!
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 3 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 3 are:
Intervals
Tones and Semitones
More Leger Lines
Compound Time
Major Key Signatures
Scales
Tonic Triads
Signs and Symbols
Sequences
Italian Terms
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 and book 2 (available here) or save money and buy all 3 as a bundle!
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!
Get in the mood for a summer of sporting events with this printable escape room! Great for an end-of-year treat, fun lesson, rainy day indoor activity, summer camp, summer school, home school, birthday party and more!
What is it?
The trend of Escape Rooms shows no sign of slowing down! A series of puzzles are solved/decoded by the pupils, eventually leading to a code being revealed which allows them to “escape”. This printable escape room kit contains everything you need.
What is included?
Storyline and directions
8 puzzles
A final Crack the Code puzzle
Detailed instructions
Optional hints
Answers
Suggestions for set-up and differentiation
What’s the theme?
The theme is sports - this will be particularly popular in Summer 2024 but has been kept generic enough to be used at any time! Each of the 8 puzzles uses words from different kinds of sports, sure to capture every child’s interest! Everything from track and field to gymnastics, swimming, tennis, winter sports, equestrian and more!
What is required of the teacher?
Print the puzzles as instructed, and take ten minutes to familiarize yourself with the format of the lesson.
Who is this lesson for?
Although aimed at middle school ages, this escape room could be enjoyed by older or younger students too!
What do we love about this product?
It’s super easy to prepare and run this escape room.
No prior knowledge is required.
It’s not specific to any subject (although the theme is sports).
It’s flexible and can be used with different ages, any size of group and in any room, setting or space.
Students can work alone, in pairs or in small groups.
Students will be engaged in solving the puzzles and enjoying some fun competition.
It can be differentiated (yes, really!) with the included hint sheets.
Set-up is quick and easy, but suggestions are given if you want to step up the dramatics!
It’s sure to be a hit, especially with sporty kids!
These digital flashcards will help your students learn and revise vocal msuci concepts such as voice types, opera, chorale, lied and descant! There are 3 levels with 20 questions in each so you can choose the set that suits your class best, or differentiate by assigning different levels to individual students! This revision game is interactive and students can check their own work as they go.
Check out the video to see how the product works, and the preview to see what terms are included in each set.
The game is easy to follow and instructions are included.
PLEASE NOTE this product is a PowerPoint and requires PowerPoint to open. It will not function correctly on google slides or other alternative software.
A cappella, Accompanied, Alto, Anthem, Antiphonal, Aria, Ayre, Ballett, Baritone, Bass, Choir, Chorale, Chorus, Coloratura, Counter tenor, Da capo aria, Descant, Harmony, Lied, Madrigal, Mass, Melismatic, Mezzo soprano, Motet, Musical, Obbligato, Opera, Oratorio, Plainchant, Recitative, Round, SATB, Song cycle, Soprano, Sprechgesang, Syllabic, Tenor, Unison
This product can be used with any curriculum, however it has been designed so that level 1 is SQA National 5, level 2 is SQA higher and level 3 is SQA advanced higher. Teachers following GCSE/A level or other curricula will still be able to use it too!
These digital flashcards will help your pupils learn and revise instrumental music concepts such as orchestra, symphony, pizzicato, fugue and sonata! There are 3 levels with 20 questions in each so you can choose the set that suits your class best, or differentiate by assigning different levels to individual students! This revision game is interactive and students can check their own work as they go.
Check out the video to see how the product works, and the preview to see what terms are included in each set.
The game is easy to follow and instructions are included.
PLEASE NOTE this product is a PowerPoint and requires PowerPoint to open. It will not function correctly on google slides or other alternative software.
Alberti bass, Answer, Arco, Baroque, Basso continuo, Binary, Brass, Cadenza, Chamber music, Classical, Concertino, Concerto, Concerto grosso, Consort, Fugue, Galliard, Ground bass, Impressionism, Inversion, Leitmotif, Madrigal, Minimalism, Motet, Nationalism, Neo-classicism, Orchestra, Passacaglia, Pavan, Percussion, Piano trio, Pizzicato, Retrograde, Ripieno, Ritornello, Romantic, Rondo, Sonata, Sonata form, String quartet, Strings, Subject, Symphony, Ternary, Tierce de Picardie, Tone row, Woodwind, 20th Century
These flashcards are designed to be general enough for use with any curriculum, however teachers in Scotland will find that level 1 includes concepts up to National 5, level 2 is Higher and level 3 is Advanced Higher.
We all have times when we have to cancel a band practice or orchestra rehearsal! If you need alternative written work for your band or orchestra, this is a research and analysis task which is ready to print and go, and can even be left with a non-specialist teacher! It is no-prep, and requires no instruments or technology! It is designed to be used when a usual rehearsal cannot happen. It really is a worthwhile and enriching task as well as being a simple, no-prep lesson for emergencies, subs, cover and more!
What’s Included?
4 pages
50 questions
8 sections
What do I need?
Your students need a copy of their own part from the piece you are playing.
Tell me more!
The task is a 4-page printable worksheet (PDF) which pupils answer on blank paper (or laptop/computer). All 4 pages are greyscale for cheaper copying.
Your band/orchestra members will study their sheet music for a piece they are playing, and answer a series of questions designed to deepen their knowledge of the piece, understand its background, and improve their playing of their part. Students work alone, at their own pace, and independently of the teacher. These worksheets will take most students two lessons (assuming 50-60 minute lessons) but could be repeated for other pieces if you need it to last longer. An extension task is even included for fast finishers.
The 50+ questions are split into 8 headings such as “First Glance”, “Rhythm and Tempo” and “Ensemble playing”. You can customise the task by asking pupils to complete only certain sections, or use it as homework with one section to complete every week. Questions range from simple, one-word answers (such as naming the composer, key signature etc) to longer and more involved activities (such as notating a rhythm they find difficult and creating a word or phrase to match the rhythm).
We all have situations where we have to cancel a band practice or orchestra rehearsal and I am sure you your students to complete meaningful, enriching work which will actually improve their playing! Teacher absence, usual rehearsal space being unavailable, quiet rehearsals during exams, or a pupil who has opted out or cannot attend a practice but is still required to complete some work.
Anything else?
I have a set of 8 cover worksheets which are flexible and ideal for band, orchestra, choir, general music, music appreciation and more! Many educators like you have purchased these items together. Like this task, they require no prep, no instruments and no specialist teacher. Check them out here!
I also have a similar set of worksheets for choirs.
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!