This book is a collection of over 100 games and activities to give children a broad, solid foundation in music theory, even if neither the parent nor child has had any previous experience. It is divided into three sections. Section A holds eighteen lessons/activities and teaches the music alphabet. This is the starting point for any young student or any older student unfamiliar with the concept (although an older student will probably not need to spend much time with these lessons). Section B has five chapters and covers concepts which require a piano. Although beneficial, this section may be skipped if you do not have access to a piano. (Activities in other sections may also benefit from a piano, but can be adapted to other instruments.) Section C makes up the bulk of the book, with over seventy-five lessons covering the treble and bass clef, line and space notes, rhythm, half and whole steps, triads, intervals, note identification, scales, key signatures, sharps and flats, and other basic music theory concepts. The lessons are clearly presented for the teacher, with easy directions for the games and activities. The games and activities require you to make some simple teaching aids, but many of them are used for multiple lessons so there isn’t a ton of work for you. There are instructions in the back for making all of the teaching aids (such as note letter cards, a staff poster board, music vocabulary cards, etc.). If you prefer, a manipulative kit is also available below to save you the time and effort. While the activities were designed to be used one-on-one, they are easily adapted to multiple students. If you use this book one or two sessions a week (around thirty minutes each time), you and your student will complete this course in one to two years (this allows for some repeat of the lessons as needed). Although this can be used with any child, it is especially effective for beginning piano students. Spiral bound, 139 pages. - Melissa

Customer Review

 
Anne M. from Pigeon Forge, TN wrote the following on 07/11/2005:
I have used Keyboard Capers for years with my piano students and my own kids and it is great. It can be used with all ages. It includes fun activities that cover many aspects of music theory and reading from learning the music alphabet to note reading to music terms and symbols. It is great for music students or for anyone wanting to gain a general knowledge of music theory. The book comes with instructions for making your own manipulatives or you can purchase them already made. They come in laminated or unlaminated sets. This book is easy to understand and can be used by someone with or without a knowledge of music.