Music theory - where to start?

[comictern]

So, I've just started singing in a choir and I'm absolutely loving it. However, having never learned an instrument (and pretty much ignored whatever music lessons I had at school), my knowledge of music theory is very basic. I can read music at a rudimentary level (basic notes, rhythm and notation), but it's all just stuff that I've randomly picked up. I would really like to go back to the beginning and start to understand music theory properly. It occurs to me that there must be good apps or books that I could use, but when I've had a Google there's so much out there, I don't know where to start! Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Abrsm is the official music board who do the test for those who learn instruments/sing. I found them very clear in the information presented and reliable.

Probably grade 1 might be a bit basic, but depends on what you have managed to pick up.

We use Ying Ying Ng's Music Theory for Young Musicians. They look a bit childish but I found them to be clearer than the ABRSM books.

Thank you so much, I'll have a look at both the books you recommend.

I think the musical-U website is pretty good for music theory - at least all the interesting stuff about chords, scales, harmony, circle of fifths etc. www.musical-u.com/learn/ They have some ear training stuff on there too and I think it's great to do both together - actually hear what you are learning about with the theory. Also the Howard Goodall documentaries (originally on telly but now on YouTube) are good (for general info and entertainment rather than formal teaching, but he does go into some theory concepts).

When I did ABRSM music theory it seemed to be very heavily focused on notation, such that unfortunately for a long time I thought that's all that music theory was! Reading music is an important skill, but just one part of music theory (and the most boring part in my opinion.) But the other stuff is great. It's so worthwhile to understand the theory - it will change the way you hear and make music, I'm sure. (Well, it did for me!)

The blitz your music theory books are loads better than the abrsm ones and you get all the answer sheets online. I learned loads about music theory from singing in a choir as a child. It's a great experience, enjoy!

How Music Works by John Powell is good too.

Thanks again everyone!