Silent Lingo

Silent lingo music theory game

Drilling Italian music terms is not what most kids would call fun. But jumping around and trying to convey “Giocoso” to other students without words? Now that sounds like a hoot! How to Play Put all the cards in a hat or bag. Choose the first performer and ask them to draw a card from … Read more

Signature Sprint

Signature sprint music theory game

Do your students struggle to really think in a key signature? Then Signature Sprint is the perfect game for you! In this game students have to make their way up the piano stepping on the correct piano keys for the key signature card in their hand. Plus, you can easily adapt this to different levels … Read more

Reverse Spell-a-Staff

Reverse spell-a-staff music theory game

This is a much more fun version of a note speller worksheet. The music words are on cards which can be drawn at random from a hat, and if you laminate the staff cards they can act as whiteboard that can be used again and again. Turn on a timer or add a competitor to … Read more

Relative Rhythms

Relative rhythms music theory game

Relative Rhythm cards are one my favourite tools for students of all ages. The idea is really very simple: all the note values are represented in relative size to each other. So, a crotchet (quarter note) is half the width of a minim (half note) and double the width of a quaver (eighth note). Use … Read more

Pumpkin Patch Match

Pumpkin patch match music theory game

Prepare for a lot of cutting out of little pumpkins…but prepare for it to be worth it when your students have this much fun practicing their note naming skills. This game is an awesome addition to any halloween group workshop or camp. How to Play Give each player a Pumpkin Patch gameboard. If playing with … Read more

Pentatonic Pig

Pentatonic pig music theory game

This twist on the old classic “pig” familiarises students with pentatonic scales while having heaps of fun. While the pentatonics are not often practiced with the same regularity as major or minor scales, they are fantastic tools for improvising and composing and this game can act as a springboard for more creative projects. How to … Read more

Musical Meander

musical meander music theory game

Musical Meander can be used two ways, to review note values, or the names of the piano keys. This is a wonderful, simple and quick game to use with your pre-reading students and works great as an off-bench break for wriggly students. How to Play Keys Version Place the game counters on the start star. … Read more

Musical Maths Matchup

musical maths matchup music theory game

Music maths is a great way to practice note values, especially as students advance and we get into more fractions of beats. But we don’t really want our students to think about note values in numbers, more in relative terms – which is why in this game they match music maths equations to larger note … Read more

Line, Space, Leapfrog

Line, space, leapfrog music theory game

Sometimes the very basics of note reading can trip students up. Make sure your beginner students can identify line and space notes using this game – bonus “leapfrogs” if they can name the notes too! How to Play Each player places a counter on “start”. Player 1 picks a card. If they pick a line … Read more

Landmark Xs and Os

Landmark Xs and Os music theory game

If you’re using the landmark note approach to reading, those notes need lots of review. Games like Landmark Xs and Os can provide that reinforcement – without your students even realising it. Switch out the flashcards and try this game instead! How to Play This is a two-player game. Choose 1 game board to play … Read more