Check out this video of the Time Signature Song!
Once it gets stuck in your head, you can never forget...
Music theory can be complicated to explain. There is a lot of material that students must commit to memory before they can understand intellectually what they experience intuitively as creative musicians. However, singing songs from the Music Theory in Song and Rhyme curriculum can make this process far more fun and effective. Students learn music theory by ear, and these concepts come alive in a joyful, collaborative way.
Young children sing "A, B, C, D, E, F, G" long before they read and write. Similarly, music theory students can sing "What makes a major scale sound the way it does? A major scale sounds the way it does because of its particular pattern of whole steps and half steps..." from a young age and the broader theoretical concepts can come into focus gradually.
Learning happens in layers. Music theory is presented in context, rather than as obscure abstract ideas. Everything is understood organically, experienced holistically, shared playfully. What better way to learn about music theory than to sing fun, catchy songs about music theory?
"These songs are a treasure!
I love that they are catchy and simple - just what kids (and adults!) need to help us remember."
- Brian Jensen, Minnesota Orchestra musician (2nd horn) and Suzuki harp dad.
"Phala's theory songs are terrific. I often use them with my undergraduates to anchor core concepts. They are catchy and fun and help my students to learn."
- Bill Stevens, director of Musicianship and Sight Singing, Santa Clara University
"“Theory is fun!” These are words that have come out of my student’s mouths and parents who have attended Phala Tracy’s Theory classes at the Utah Suzuki Harp Institute.
The songs they learn are so captivating and simple to learn that the students can’t help but remember them. Later on when I reference the Time Signature song to my students they have no problem telling me not only what the numbers stand for but they can then explain to me what it means with a clear understanding. This is only one example of the genius of Phala’s theory courses.
The enthusiasm and excitement Phala has for music theory is contagious and incredibly thought out in a clear and concise manner. As a musician, teacher, parent of children in music lesson and Institute Director I cannot recommend it enough."
- Maria Phippen, Utah Suzuki Harp Institute director, Suzuki harp teacher and Suzuki harp parent.
"When my son started harp lessons at age 4 he began to take learn theory using this method developed by Phala Tracy. He could not read or write at that point and was a typical 4 year old with short attention span.
I was amazed at how much he loved theory class. It was his favorite. He enjoyed the songs, the movement and the learning through play. It developed within him an intuitive knowledge of scales, rhythm and music composition.
Six years later he still sees theory class as fun and engaging. This is the way to teach theory!"
- Didi Koka, Suzuki harp parent
Hi, I'm Phala Tracy.
I've been developing this Music Theory in Song and Rhyme curriculum for over 15 years. It is the foundation of the music theory classes I teach at Studio Fidicina for students age 4 - 18. I have also taught with this curriculum at Suzuki institutes and music festivals across the country.
I am a classically trained harpist and composer and while I do offer a collection of "harp specific" songs, the bulk of this material is accessible to all curious musicians regardless of what instrument you play!
I teach Suzuki harp and music theory at Studio Fidicina in South Minneapolis and I am also adjunct professor of harp at Gustavus Adolphus college in St. Peter, MN. I am a registered Suzuki harp teacher trainer.
I am an active arranger, composer, improviser and freelance musician in the Twin Cities. I play and sing with Follow the Firefly and Matt Wilson and his Orchestra.
BM - Oberlin Conservatory of Music
MFA - California Institute of the Arts
