See it
Map out your success through reading, writing, and diagramming concepts— visual learners thrive on every lesson.
2026–27 school year · Registration OPEN NOW
Understand the music you love.
Live, small-group music theory classes for kids, teens, and adults — built on the proven Ultimate Music Theory system and taught with games, friends, and fun! AM and PM classes offered - choose whichever fits your schedule.
Download the 2026–27 schedule (PDF)
- 24 weekly hour-long classes
- Classes held at PYCO Music Center - Wexford, PA
- Aligned with RCM theory levels
The method
What is Theory Made Fun?
Theory Made Fun uses the Ultimate Music Theory (UMT) curriculum - a proven system to maximize learning which engages the 3 main learning modalities (visual, auditory, & kinesthetic). Thoughtfully sequenced texts paired with games and peer-group fun make learning theory fun and applicable!
Hear it
Concepts are spoken, played, and discussed together in live classes — auditory learners lock it in by ear.
Do it
Feel the beat, move, and play — games and hands-on practice give kinesthetic learners the reps that make theory stick.
Each UMT workbook is a complete step-by-step course: 12 units, 12 review tests, a handy guide & chart, and 80 flashcards to dramatically increase retention.
The students
Who are Theory Made Fun classes for?
Play by ear? Read a little? Fluent reader? Never read a note? There's a seat for you in the Theory Club.
Adults
- Choir members
- Parents of young musicians who want to support their children's growth
- Community band members
- Longtime musicians
- Musicians who play by ear as well as those who only read!
- Anyone just beginning their musical journey
Kids & Teens
- Current course offerings are appropriate for ages 10 and up
- UMT originated in Canada and is aligned with the Royal Conservatory of Music (ABRSM) theory curriculum
- Afternoon theory club offered on Tuesday at 5:30 PM
- Daytime sections fit naturally into a homeschool week
- Class replays make catching up after a busy week easy
The formats
How does it work?
Each level is designed to be taught over 24 hour-long classes, culminating in a final exam at the end of the year:
Tuesdays & Fridays at PYCO Music Center
Our theory club is the first of its kind in the Pittsburgh area! It perfectly complements the first-class private lesson and ensemble offerings at PYCO Music Center.
Missed a Class?
Absent students will have the option to catch up via class replays on Muzie.live. Muzie is very similar to other video-conferencing platforms, but specially tailored to the needs of musicians. And it's FREE for students to use!
After Registration
Once you're registered, you'll receive an email with details on where the class is, when it meets, how to setup Muzie.live, how to purchase your textbook, how to access the class portal, and more!
Muzie.live will be our solution to inclement weather or other circumstances that prevent in-person attendance.
Find your fit
Which level is right for me?
- If you’ve never read music or are just starting to study an instrument, you’d be considered a beginner.
- If you have a private teacher, they will be able to tell you if you’ve progressed to intermediate or advanced status.
- If you’d like to send me the titles of your lesson books and/or a PDF of the music you’ve been playing, I’d be happy to help you find your best fit!
View a detailed rubric for a more in depth look at the levels described below.
Beginner
Prep 1 Rudiments
Perfect for beginning music readers. Covers the music alphabet, reading on the treble and bass staves, rhythmic notation including duple 8th notes, simple meters, intervals up to the octave, and major/minor triads and pentascales.
2026–27 sections:
Tue 11:00 AM (Grades 9-12)
Tue 1:00 PM (Adults)
Tue 2:00 PM (Grades 4-8)
Fri 4:30 PM (Grades 2-5)
Early intermediate
Prep 2 Rudiments
Great for early intermediate players! Covers the music alphabet, reading on the treble and bass staves, rhythmic notation including triplet 8th notes, simple meters, intervals up to the octave, major & relative minor scales and the circle of 5ths up to 2 sharps and flats, and major/minor triads.
2026–27 sections:
Tue 5:30 PM (grades 4-8)
Experienced (RCM Theory Level 5)
Basic Rudiments
Designed for the experienced music reader who is already comfortable reading and playing at least one clef, and playing at least at a late intermediate level. Covers major & relative minor scales and the circle of 5ths up to 4 sharps and flats, all major and minor intervals up to the octave, major and minor triads, harmonic analysis using the tonic (I/i), subdominant (IV/iv) and dominant (V), simple meters (duple, triple, and quadruple), rhythmic notation including triplet sixteenth notes. Comparable to RCM Theory Level 5.
2026–27 sections:
COMING SOON
Still not sure? Send me the titles of your lesson books and/or a PDF of the music you've been playing, and I'd be happy to help you find your best fit. Get in touch →
2026–27 school year
Class schedule
All times Eastern (ET). Every class meets weekly for one hour.
| Day | Time | Level | Age Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM | Prep 1 Rudiments | Grades 9–12 |
| Tuesday | 1:00 PM | Prep 1 Rudiments | Adults |
| Tuesday | 2:00 PM | Prep 1 Rudiments | Grades 4–8 |
| Tuesday | 5:30 PM | Prep 2 Rudiments | Grades 4–8 |
| Friday | 4:30 PM | Prep 1 Rudiments | Grades 2–5 |
Classrooms TDB.
Tuition
Group classes provide amazing value
$99/month
- 24 live, hour-long weekly classes
- Class replays on Muzie.live whenever you miss a week
- Games, group activities, and themed seasonal classes at no extra charge
- Year-end final exam and progress feedback
UMT workbook purchased separately — see materials.
Join the Club
Meet the teacher!
Christine Lucas
Hello, I'm Christine Lucas! I'm a pianist and private piano teacher based in the Pittsburgh area and I'm so excited to offer Ultimate Music Theory classes! My hope is that by providing group theory classes, I'll be able to help a lot of students by reinforcing concepts they haven't mastered yet, and introducing new topics that will help them get the most out of their private music study and ensembles. When music theory finally clicked for me in graduate school, it went from my least favorite class to my favorite! I went from dreading the next test to constantly raising my hand in class. Today, I use that knowledge every single time I sit down to play, and it's made such a difference in how quickly I can learn new music.
In addition to sharing my theory passion with my private piano students, I've also been blessed with the unique joys and challenges of assisting my two elementary-aged children with their music and music theory studies.I grew up in Center Township in Beaver County, went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania for my B.A. in Music Performance, and Florida State Univeristy for an M.M. in Piano Performance with an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy. I opened my private piano studio in 2006. I love teaching students of all abilities, with a wide range of musical goals. My students particularly look forward to our themed studio recitals.
I love to play music with others! I'm very proud to serve as the music director for Center Theatre Players, a non-profit, community musical theater group based in Rochester, PA. I've accompanied many soloists and ensembles, including PMEA festival choirs, studio recitals, church services, and high school musicals. I'd love to help you take the next step in your musical journey through my music theory club classes!
Not sure where to start? I'd love to help — send me the titles of your lesson books or a PDF of the music you've been playing, and I'll help you find your best fit.
Say hello →Testimonials:
Christine Lucas is the best in the business! After working with her for several years, we've seen
remarkable growth in our child. She is not only kind and caring but also fully invested in her students’
learning. Christine tailors her teaching to each child's level and maturity and encourages families to be
involved in the lessons. She also creates fun learning experiences for her students. Our favorite was the
silent movie sound track recital! Her creativity and warmth are what sets her apart. She strikes the
perfect balance between challenge and support, and we're so grateful to have found her!
-Leah Kalan
Christine is an absolutely wonderful piano teacher! Our daughter has been taking lessons from her since
she was 8 and has grown tremendously as a player over the last 4 years. We love that Christine always
gives positive feedback and she lets her students actively participate in choosing the songs they are
going to learn. When we asked our daughter what she likes about learning from Christine, she said "Ms.
Christine challenges me, she's patient, and she makes me laugh". We highly recommend her studio!!
-The Lopez Family
Christine is a fantastic teacher, pianist, and person. Over the last 8 years, she has helped both my
children make huge improvements in their sight-reading and theory skills. She is also one of the most
patient and kindhearted people I know.
-Rekha P.
What you'll need
Materials
We keep it simple. Each student needs just three things:
Your UMT workbook
We’ll be using the Ultimate Music Theory workbook series. Each student will need a physical copy of the workbook.
Buy yours: Ultimate Music Theory Shop
A stable internet connection
Class replays will stream on Muzie.live — you can access Muzie via your preferred web browser or the free app version. For inclement weather livestreams, all you need is a computer or tablet with a browser, a camera, and a mic.
A ruler & mechanical pencil
Yes, mechanical! Theory means writing, erasing, and rewriting — a crisp point and clean eraser are your secret weapons.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I sign up?
Once your registration is processed, you will receive a mymusicstaff parent portal link. You can see our class calendar, Muzie how-to’s, student account, course policies and FAQ’s, etc. Automated invoices will be generated through mymusicstaff. Payment is due by the 1st of each month and can be made via cash (at the first class of the month), Venmo, or Zelle. $144/month billed September-May.
What if I miss a class?
No problem. Classes are recorded on Muzie.live and saved so you can watch the replay and stay on track.
I've never studied music theory. Can I really start from zero?
Absolutely — Prep 1 Rudiments is designed for beginning music readers, including complete beginners. If you've never read music or are just starting an instrument, it's the perfect entry point.
What ages are the classes for?
Current course offerings are appropriate for ages 10 and up. Classes are divided into sections for grades 4-8, 9-12, and adults.
What is Muzie.live, and what do I need to use it?
NO SPECIAL SOFTWARE REQUIRED! Muzie.live is a regular website that runs from your internet browser. There is a free app version of Muzie that might work better on certain devices. You will need to create a free student account.
Is this the same as RCM theory?
No, but Ultimate Music Theory was created by Canadian musicians who are very familiar with RCM & Celebrate Theory. UMT is designed to complement RCM students’ theory preparation.
Do I need a piano or other instrument at home?
No instrument is required for class — you can accomplish every activity in the course with your workbook and pencil. That said, connecting theory to an instrument you already play makes it even more fun. If you do play an instrument, we can certainly find ways to incorporate it into class activities!
What happens at the end of the year?
Each level wraps up with a final exam — a chance to celebrate how much you've learned and confirm you're ready for the next level.
Ready to join the Club?
Registration for the 2026–27 year opens soon. Check back shortly — or reach out now and we'll save you a seat.
Sign up now
Sign-up form coming soon
Questions, or want to be notified when registration opens? Email theorymadefun@gmail.com