Music Theory - What do you use?

[Pretty in Pink]

My ds recently began taking music lessons through our local co-op. He is playing the trumpet. We have hired a band teacher from the local PS system. He comes in once a week for thirty minutes to provide instruction for three children. They are using a beginner book with simple songs in it.

They have been practicing now for a month but I don't think they are covering the basics such as counting the music, tapping your toe, basic terminology, time and key signatures, etc. My ds asked me to play with him and when I asked him to count out a new song he didn't know what I was asking. When I explained, "You know, 1 and 2 and 3 and..." he was confused.

All that to ask if you can recommend a good resource for teaching these things? Should I just go to the music shop and ask?

[Nicole M]

We use Alfred's Essentials:

http://www.amazon.com/Alfreds-Essentials-Music-Theory-Self-Study/dp/0739036351/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228701781&sr=8-3

ETA: Whoops! Sorry. For some reason I thought I was replying to a post on the HS board. Sheesh. For younger kids you might look at Music Ace software. I would wait until 12 or 13 before starting Alfred's.

[Donna]

I love Music Mind Games and Musopoly. Made for use with groups of kids but I use it for my dd at home. http://musicmindgames.com/ You can usually get the book "Music Mind Games" or "No H in Snake" on Amazon used and through the website can get the materials though you can make a lot of the materials on your own.

[one l michele]

http://www.gmajormusictheory.org/Fundamentals/workbooks.html

http://www.musictheory.net/

[Pretty in Pink]

I bookmarked those sites. Thanks gals!