Q&A: Music Theory for Adult Choirs

Editor’s note:

Sometimes I get questions in my inbox that I think others may be wondering, too. Here’s a question I got recently about music theory resources for adult choirs. Curious to learn more? Read my response below.

Ashley

Question

Dear Ashley,

Do you have any recommendations for an app or podcast or book that would be good for adult choir members that have had no musical theory training? Thanks!

- Thinking About Theory

Answer

Dear Thinking About Theory,

Here are a few music theory books and resources that might be helpful to you and your choir:

Music Theory for Beginning Choristers, Vol. 1
This free 24-page document outlines voice parts, clefs, note durations, time signatures, scales/modes, dynamics, and more. I could see incorporating a quick 5-10 minute theory lesson in each rehearsal or using this as a guide for a 4-6 week theory basics course for your choir members. You could do this in person or online!
Singing Between the Lines (Ginger Wyrick)
Ginger Wyrick teaches at UNC-Charlotte and is an active clinician, author, composer, and editor. This book includes quick 15-minute music theory lessons for church choirs. Again, I could see using this as part of your rehearsal (e.g. have everyone come 15 minutes early on the first Wednesday of the month) or as a standalone music theory basics course that you teach for 6-8 consecutive weeks.
The Choir Member’s Companion (Ginger Wyrick)
Another book by Ginger, this one is designed for individual use by your choir members. This book is a pocket guide to musical symbols and terminology used in choral music.
musictheory.net
This is a great web resource for music theory lessons and review exercises. Activities include things like note ID, intervals (reading and by ear), key signatures, scales, and more. If you’re looking for an app to recommend to your choir members, I would suggest the Tenuto app, which uses exercises from this website. Bonus: It doesn’t require an internet connection!
Church Choir 101 (Ginger Wyrick)
This book includes 12 session outlines for teaching music theory, sight-reading skills, vocal production, and worship leadership to your adult choir. A great resource for directors!