Theory Time is a workbook series program for teaching music theory fundamentals. Within the pages of each workbook there are fun exercises to teach the students the basics about reading music and music symbols. There are puzzles and games to play that make it fun. Some of the lessons require the playing of notes for the student to listen to and then answer questions. For example: "Did the note sound high or low?"

These are great to use for any student playing any instrument. They are not to teach songs but more how the songs are made using different notes and symbols. They may be used as a compliment to any music method. Musical alphabet, note identification, time signatures, rhythm, ear training, sharps and flats, inversions, and much more are covered in these workbooks. Included in the workbooks are reference material, drills, fun sheets (K-8), challenge sheets (9-12), review tests and self study features. A teacher edition is also available. These are a great resource for homeschoolers. The levels that they cover are: Primer to Grade 3: Theory fundamentals; Grades 4-8: Early Intermediate & Intermediate; Grades 9-12: Advanced and College Prep.

I brought this to my daughter's piano teacher for her opinion she described it this way:
"Excellent theory books, they teach skills in sequence, have repetitive exercises, are fun and motivating. They are definitely user friendly." (Linda Hall, Dream Catcher Music Studio, Sangerville Maine)

My 8 year old daughter loved these books. Although she whizzed through the first few, I would recommend you start at a level that is appropriate for your student's particular level of knowledge; don't just go by the grade level. Theory Time describes on their website what each workbook covers for that particular grade level, which will come in handy for choosing the proper level to start with. The grade level would really be for those that have had no exposure to music in the past. The pictures in the workbooks are black and white so there is no distraction for the student. This series is simple and easy to use. I would recommend these for any student that has an interest in music.

-- Product Review by Trisha White, Maine State Coordinator, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, March, 2006