Premier Piano Course, Theory 6: Piano Book

Theory 6 balances rigor with genuine creative engagement. The weaving of harmonization and composition tasks alongside necessary drills means students aren't simply filling in blanks; they're making real musical decisions. The inclusion of ear-training activities, sight-reading practice, and historical context turns what could be dry theory into an integrated picture of how music actually works.

Theory work that feels alive rather than mechanical. The mix of structured drills, creative tasks, and contextual information creates pacing that holds attention. Students encounter historical snapshots and style insights that make the rules feel purposeful, not arbitrary.

Level 6 pianists who have progressed beyond introductory theory and are ready to engage with harmonization and composition. This book serves students working through the Premier Piano Course at roughly the intermediate level or those in a private studio who need integrated theory support alongside their lesson books.

• Assign ear-training exercises consistently throughout the week rather than cramming them into one lesson, so students develop listening habits rather than cramming skills
• Use the composition and harmonization activities as conversation starters about student choices; ask why they selected a particular chord or melody shape to deepen ownership of the concepts
• Connect the historical and style comments to pieces students are learning from their lesson repertoire, anchoring abstract theory to music they're already playing

Assign this as the theory component of Level 6 study within the Premier Piano Course sequence, moving through one or two activities per lesson to maintain continuity with the student's repertoire work. The book's balanced design makes it suitable for both private studio settings and group theory classes where students are at similar levels.

• Harmonizing melodies with appropriate chord progressions
• Composing short pieces using learned theoretical principles
• Sight-reading music at Level 6 difficulty
• Ear-training through interval and harmonic listening
• Understanding music history and style conventions as they relate to theoretical concepts
• Applying music theory knowledge creatively rather than passively