Music Theory - Ultimate Music Theory

Cadential 6-4 Chord Progression

A Cadential 6-4 Chord Progression is an embellishment of the Dominant Chord (and not a 2nd Inversion Triad!). Learn what notes are used to create the V6/4!

Octave Sign – 8va or 8vb – What is the difference

Is there a difference between the octave signs "8va" & "8vb"? Explore how to use the Octave Higher Sign and the Octave Lower Signs in music.

Piano Key Numbers

Did you know that you can identify a specific Pitch or Key on the Keyboard using Piano Key Numbers (Pitch Numbers, Keyboard Numbers or Pitch Range Numbers)?

Understanding Concert Pitch

Concert Pitch can be confusing if you have never learned an instrument other than the piano. Here are some UMT Tips on how to transpose in to concert pitch.

Writing Rests #9 – Dotted Rests

Writing Rests properly by Hand is an important skill. In this Blog, we will learn to write Dotted Rests that extend the rest value by half.

Writing Rests #8 – Sixty-Fourth Rest

The Writing Rests Series will teach you how to write rests properly by hand (with a Pencil). Discover how to write a Sixty-Fourth Rest.

Writing Rests #7 – Thirty-Second Rest

The Writing Rests Series will teach you how to write rests properly by hand (with a Pencil). Discover how to write a Thirty-Second Rest.

Writing Rests #6 – Sixteenth Rest

The Writing Rests Series will teach you how to write rests properly by hand (with a Pencil). Discover how to write a Sixteenth Rest in music.

Writing Rests #5 – Eighth Rest

The Writing Rests Series will teach you how to write rests properly by hand (with a Pencil). Discover how to write an Eighth Rest in music.

Writing Rests #4 – Quarter Rest

The Writing Rests Series will teach you how to write rests properly by hand (with a Pencil). Discover how to write a Quarter Rest in music.

Writing Rests #3 – Half Rest

The Writing Rests Series will teach you how to write rests properly by hand (with a Pencil). Discover how to write a Half Rest in music.

Writing Rests #2 – Whole Rest

The Writing Rests Series will teach you how to write rests properly by hand (with a Pencil). Discover how to write a Whole Rest in music.

Writing Rests #1 – Breve Rest

The Writing Rests Series will teach you how to write rests properly by hand (with a Pencil). Discover how to write a Breve Rest in music.

Strategy Success Session – Book A Call Now

Book Your 15 min. Music Teacher Strategy Session Call with Glory St. Germain. Discover how to achieve your dream music teaching business.

Articulation #7 – Combinations

Articulation Signs tell us how to play a note. But what happens when we combine Articulation Signs? Articulation Combinations have rules.

Articulation #6 – Fermata

Articulation Signs tell us how to play a note. Let's explore the Fermata Sign. How do we write it? When do we use it? Are there rules?

Articulation #5 – Tenuto

Articulation Signs tell us how to play a note. Let's explore the Tenuto Line. How do we write it? When do we use it? What are the rules?

Articulation #4 – Marcato

Articulation Signs tell us how to play a note. Let's explore the Marcato Sign (Mark). How do we write it? When do we use it? Are there rules?

Articulation #3 – Staccatissimo

Articulation Signs tell us how to play a note. Let's explore the Staccatissimo. This Sign is not common in modern music, but it has a purpose.

Articulation #2 – Staccato

Articulation Signs tell us how to play a note. Let's explore the Staccato - What is it? What does it look like? Where and how do we write it?

Articulation #1 – Accent

Articulation Signs tell us how to play a note. Let's explore the Accent - What is it? What does it look like? Where and how do we write it?

Accidental Rules #7 – Writing Notes using Accidentals and Key Signatures

When writing notes on the staff, it is easy to get confused by accidentals in the Music and in the Key Signature. Let's learn the rules.

Accidental Rules #6 – Accidentals and Key Signatures

Naming notes when there are Accidentals and Key Signatures can be confusing. Learn the difference between a Key Signature and an accidental.

Accidental Rules #5 – Adding Necessary Accidentals

When writing notes on the staff, adding necessary accidentals (not redundant) is important. Learn how to write Staff Notes for given names.

Accidental Rules #4 – Tied Notes with Accidentals

Confused about whether or not the bar line cancels the accidental when the note is tied? Learn the 3 simple rules for naming Tied Notes with Accidentals.

Accidental Rules #3 – Writing Accidentals

Let's Make Writing Accidentals Easy using the KISS Method! Learn the proper way of writing (drawing) accidentals using paper & pencil (and not a computer)!

Accidental Rules #2 – Naming Notes

When naming notes with accidentals (not using a Key Signature), there are Accidental Rules that must be followed. Let's learn those Rules.

Accidental Rules #1 – Natural Rules

Have you ever questioned how, where and when we write a Natural Sign? In this Blog we are going to explore those Natural Rules to write theory correctly.

Same Pitch – Different Clef

Rewriting a note at the "Same Pitch in a Different Clef" can be tricky. Discover why a note in one clef is at the same pitch as a note in a different clef.

Writing Bar Lines – Different Functions

Writing Bar Lines sounds simple, but did you realize that Bar Lines actually have different functions based upon their number and size? Find out more!

How to Write & Identify Major & Minor Pentascales

Learn How To Identify Major and Minor Pentascales - Fun & Easy To Understand! So-La Says: Visit the Pentascale Candy Shop - Sweet Major or Sour minor?

Learn Music Rhythm Beats Whole, Half or Quarter Notes

How do you Teach and Learn Music Rhythm Beats, so it’s super easy understand? You have a Pizza Party with Pizza Beats - Whole, Half or Quarter Notes!

Learn and Teach Music Theory – Patterns and Directions

How Do You Connect Patterns & Direction To Sight Reading & Ear Training While Bouncing On A Trampoline? Sounds like fun right?

Learning Connection – 3 Essential D’s

UMT Learning Connection for Success is as Simple as the Three Essential D's. Like it or not, learning connection determines your success in anything you do.

Changing Key Signatures

How do you cancel or change Key Signatures in a Composition? In this Ultimate Music Theory Blog we explore 2 Options for Changing Key Signatures in music.

Ultimate Music Theory Program

Our “All-in-One” Ultimate Music Theory Program is Smart & Successful! A proven Step-by-Step System to maximize learning for all Music Students!

Incomplete Measure

What's an Incomplete Measure? Why do we have Incomplete Measures? How do we count an Incomplete Measure? Where do we write Measure Numbers? Let's find out!

Dominant Seventh Chord Inversions

Dominant Seventh Chord Inversions are easy to write with proper note placement when you follow the 4 Steps to writing Dominant Seventh Chord Inversions!

Upper or Lower Case Letter

Do we use an Upper or Lower Case Letter? It is a Capital "C" or a small "c"? Does it matter? Yes, it does! This blog will explore when and when not to Cap.

Melody Writing in 5 Steps

Melody Writing Questions are now a part of nationally recognized Theory Examinations. Learn how to teach Students to write their melodies in 5 (easy) steps.

32nd Note Stem Length

A 32nd Note Stem Length is an exception to the "1 octave stem length rule". Discover what stem length to use for a 32nd Note and how to draw them correctly.

Placement of Accidentals #3 – Four Note Chords Accidentals

Four Note Chords are often written with 1, 2, 3 & 4 accidentals. Learn the rules for the Proper Placement of Accidentals in 4 Note Chords.

Placement of Accidentals #2 – Triad Accidentals

Did you know that there are Placement Rules for Triad Accidentals? When a Triad (or Chord) has 2 or more Accidentals, they must be written correctly.

Placement of Accidentals #1 – Harmonic Interval Accidentals

Harmonic Interval Accidentals have specific Placement Rules.In the Placement of Accidentals Blog #1, learn proper placement of 2 accidentals in intervals.

Counting Slurs

Theory Exercises often ask Students to count the number of slurs in an excerpt. Learn the rules to counting slurs (and the difference between slurs & ties).

Repeat Sign Dots

Repeat Sign Dots can be confusing. Are there rules for the placement of Repeat Sign Dots? Are there different types of Repeat Signs? Find out now!

Volta Brackets

Volta Brackets, or "first and second ending brackets", are used to indicated specific directions when repeating the music. So, how do you use them?

Analysis Square Bracket

The Analysis Square Bracket is an analytical tool used to define a part or phrase. Discover when it is easier to use a Square Bracket instead of a Slur.

Writing Time Signatures

When writing Time Signatures, it is important to not write Fractions! Discover the difference between writing Time Signatures and writing fractions.

Music Note Stem Length

When adding a stem to a notehead, the stem is usually approximately one octave in length. Did you know that there is an exception to the Stem Length Rule?

Clef Signs Create Landmark Notes

Properly drawn Clef Signs create Landmark Notes at specific pitches on the instrument for the Treble (G) Clef and for the Bass (F) Clef.

6 Tips for Two Part Writing

Two Part Writing is when two voices (parts, instruments) are written on 1 staff. Each voice has it's own melody & rhythm. Learn 6 Tips for Two Part Writing.

RCM Theory Syllabus Overview

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NEW RCM Theory Syllabus 2016

Register now for the FREE GSG MUSIC Webinar Series "NEW RCM Theory Syllabus & Ultimate Music Theory Rocks!" Glory St. Germain has BIG NEWS! Don't miss it!

Adding Beams To Join 3 Notes

Adding beams to join 3 notes can be confusing. Stems up? Stems down? Beam angled up or down? Discover the rules to writing perfect beamed notes every time.

Add Beams To Join 2 Notes

When we add beams to join 2 notes, it can be confusing! Stems up or stems down? Beams angled up or down? Learn 3 steps to add beams to join notes correctly.

Octave – Simple or Compound?

Why does an Augmented 8 invert to a diminished 8, but a Perfect 8 inverts to a Perfect 1? Learn how to easily identify when an Octave is Simple or Compound.

Lead Sheet Triads

Lead Sheet Triads (those letters above the melody line in modern music) are the new Musical Shorthand. Discover what they mean and learn how to use them.

RCM Exams – Theory Co-Requisites

RCM Exams - Learn what theory Co-Requisites go with what RCM Practical Exams and WHY? Learn which RCM exams should be completed first & why it matters.

Why Use Practice Exams

Stanford University Studies prove it and so do Ultimate Music Theory Exam Results - when Students use Practice Exams to prepare for exams, they do better!

Root Position Triad

Teaching the concept of a Root Position Triad using the song "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman" attaches a familiar context (snowman) with a new music concept.

Naming tied notes

When Naming Tied Notes, do you name the note for every notehead or do you only name the note each time it is played? Learn the rule for naming tied notes!

Staccato Dots – Why in a Space?

Ever wonder why Staccato Dots are placed in a space? Why can't they go on a line? Learn the 3 Ground Rules to place Staccato Dots CORRECTLY every time.

2-4 or 4-8 Time

When adding a Time Signature, how can you tell whether it is 2-4 or 4-8 time? Can you always use either Time Signature? Here are some UMT Tips to guide you.

Sequence, Imitation and Inversion

Discover the UMT Tips on how to identify the relationship between two or more motives as Sequence, Imitation and Inversion when analyzing music.

Modern Vocal Score Dynamics

Discover how to write Modern Vocal Score Dynamics (with and without lyrics) in Open Score (SATB - 4 Staves) and in Short (Keyboard) Score (Grand Staff).

Modern Vocal Score Bar Lines

Discover how to write Modern Vocal Score Bar Lines (with and without lyrics) in Open Score (SATB - 4 Staves) and in Short (Keyboard) Score (Grand Staff).

Augmented First Inversion

Follow these 3 easy steps to write an Augmented First Inversion correctly, even when it's Harmonic! Bonus - 3 steps to become a confident theory teacher.

Drawing Quarter Rests

Instructions for Drawing Quarter Rests in 4 easy steps - Ultimate Music Theory free downloadable Drawing Quarter Rests Worksheet to use with your students.

Can You Have a Triple Flat

In music, can you have a Triple Flat or a Triple Sharp? Yes you can! Learn how to write accidentals to raise or lower a note's pitch more than a whole step.

Interval – Harmonic Augmented First

Writing a Harmonic Perfect First is easy - but how do you write a Harmonic Augmented First? How do you place the accidentals so that the notes are harmonic?

Conservatory Canada Theory 1

Can Teachers use Ultimate Music Theory to prepare students for Theory Exams with Conservatory Canada? Yes they can! Compare CC Theory 1 and RCM Basic Exams.

Identifying Time Signatures

3 Steps to correctly identifying time signatures: See the pattern, Hear as you count, Feel the rhythmic pulse. The way to score success.

C Clef #2 – When and Why?

When and Why use C Clefs? The different placement of C Clefs on the Staff will create 5 different Clefs. Learn which C Clef to use for each range.

C Clef #1 – What and Why Do We Need It?

A Clef is a “symbol” that pitches notes to specific sounds. The C Clef is a movable clef. The 5 C Clefs establish specific pitches for Middle C. Learn more

Teaching Music Theory – Private or Group

Learn the Top 5 reasons for Teaching Music Theory - Private or group. Who, why, when, where and what's best? How can you make more money teaching theory?

Sixteenth Note Flags – 5 Things You Might Not Know

5 things to remember - Sixteenth Note Flags - what is and what isn’t acceptable? Learn the rules to writing the single sixteenth note flag correctly.

Transposition – 3 Mistakes with Key Signatures

Transposition – 3 Mistakes with Key Signatures: Ultimate Music Theory demonstrates the correct way to transpose key signatures and avoid mistakes.

Eighth Note Flags – Fly Left or Fly Right?

Eighth Note Flags - Watch the video and learn how typeset eighth note flags are different than written eighth note flags. Teaching tips for success.

Melodic Chromatic Scale – Set Form

In a Melodic Chromatic Scale using a Set Form, the notes are not the same in the ascending and descending Melodic Chromatic Scale. Discover 3 Simple Steps.

Melodic Chromatic Scales – Different Rules

Melodic Chromatic Scales - Learn two ways to write Melodic Chromatic Scales using these 4 Easy Rules. The scales sound the same but are written differently.

Harmonic Chromatic Scale – 4 Super Steps

Harmonic Chromatic Scale - More than one correct way to write a chromatic scale. 4 Super Steps to write a Harmonic Chromatic Scale perfectly. Guaranteed!

Harmonic Intervals using Accidentals

Writing harmonic intervals using accidentals - Includes three tips for learning which accidental goes where - placement of accidentals for a harmonic 2nd.

Eighth Note Harmonic Intervals

Learn the 4 Common Mistakes when writing Eighth Note Harmonic Intervals and how to avoid them. Rules change when writing harmonic 2nds using eighth notes.

Dotted Notes – Harmonic Second Interval

Dotted Notes - Dot or NO Dot. Harmonic 2nd Dot Placement is unique. Learn how the rules change when writing intervals of a Harmonic 2nd using Dotted Notes.

Harmonic Interval Stem Direction – 4 Mistakes

What is the rule for Harmonic Interval Stem Direction? Learn 4 common mistakes made and how to avoid them. Ultimate Music Theory Tips in Prep 1 Rudiments.

Harmonic Second Interval – Why is it different

See WHY a Harmonic Second Interval is written differently from any other harmonic interval. Learn the Memory Jogger and Tips to Learn Ultimate Music Theory.

Melodic minor scales – Repeat the Top Note?

Melodic minor scales - Learn writing scales - when do you repeat the top note and when do you NOT repeat the top note. Submediant, Leading note and more.

Theory Workbook – Ah-HA Moment

A Theory Workbook to answer ALL your theory questions with the "Ah-HA" moment answers. The Theory Workbook and answer book that teachers are raving about!

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