To start kids interacting with music theory, it is important to define it for them in terms they can understand, according to Sfskids.com. Explain that it is called music "theory" because it describes the parts of music and the rules of what sounds good but these rules are not set in stone. This allows kids to remain creative and interactive in the artistic aspect of music. The easiest way to get kids interacting with music theory is to start on a musical keyboard, such as a piano, since it engages both their ears and their eyes.
Explaining to kids how pitch works is as easy as showing them different types of melodies, according to DSOkids.com. This will be effective especially if you use melodies that they are already familiar with, such as "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star" or "Happy Birthday." Kids can begin examining how pitch works by learning the letter names of each pitch in the melody, measuring the interval distance between these notes, and drawing a pattern of the general slope of a melody. By investigating how often melodies go up or down and how far in each direction they go, kids will begin noticing patterns within music.
Rhythm is a physical aspect of music theory that kids can learn easily. Tempo is one facet of rhythm that is defined as the speed at which something is played at. Play a simple melody for kids at a slow speed, contrasting it by playing it again at a much faster speed. Kids will be able to make their own judgement about what tempo sounds good for a particular song. Also, kids can learn how rhythm is notated by reading simple sheet music with quarter and eighth notes. By playing the same melody twice and slightly changing the rhythm each time, you can show kids how rhythm adds interest and variation to musical pieces.
Harmony is the most difficult part of music theory to teach children, according to Makingmusicfun.com. This can be made easier by explaining the harmony is what chords are played under a melody and the chords are multiple notes played at the same time. Since the same melody can be harmonized in different ways, try playing one melody with several different chord changes underneath and see how kids react to each. Children can judge whether chords sound happy or sad or evoke certain images in their heads while they listen.
The benefits of learning music theory when still a child are enormous. Kids who can grasp the basics of music early in life not only get a head start against their peers, but will be prepared for a life full of music appreciation. Since music theory is based on patterns and creativity, interacting with music theory can help kids reap the benefits of left-brain stimulation and increase overall intelligence.