A Guide to Free Online Music Theory Resources
from the Elementary Classroom Teacher Resource Index

Presented here are three recommended on-line music theory resources that are among the best available on the web and they're all free! If this is your first visit to MakingMusicFun.net, please take a moment to browse the free resources offered here as well. Click all you want .. we don't mind!

Ricci Adams MusicTheory.net

Ricci Adams Music Theory is a comprehensive free web-based theory program. For the elementary level student it offers a few drill and practice trainers including a keyboard trainer and a note trainer that may be set to meet the specific needs of the student. Other resources include instruction and drill on a wide variety of topics that are best suited for the high school or college student.

Pros

• Free Resource

• Comprehensive tutorials and drill and practice exercises

• Great review resource for college music students

Cons

• Limited resources for elementary students

• Lacks graphic interest

• May be difficult to use with dial-up connection

Morton Subotnick's Creating Music

The goal of Creating Music is to provide a creative space for children with no musical training to enjoy the creative process of composing a piece of music. Through the use of simple icons and a sketch pad your child will be writing and listening to his/her first piece of music in minutes. Special emphasis is also placed on the written tradition. Also included are activities designed to develop music listening skills. Children may play the pre-designed game or compose their own same-different listening game with music they compose themselves.

Pros

• Free Resource

• Software is available that expands on the web-based music composition resources

• Activities to develop listening skills

Cons

• May be difficult to use with dial-up connection

SFS Kids: Fun with Music

The San Francisco Symphony has created a premier web destination for kids, SFS Kids, to learn about music. Partnering with Intel and Citigroup, as well as others, they have created a site that will dazzle the eyes. Check out Instruments of the Orchestra to see and hear each individual instrument and then head to the Music Lab for tutorials on rhythm, tempo, pitch, harmony and more.

Pros

• Dazzling graphics and animation

• Well organized site

• A strong introduction to the basics

Cons

• While the tutorials are well planned and dazzling to watch, students would benefit greatly by taking a quiz after each tutorial to test for understanding.

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