Music Theory Course.org

This website is designed for young musicians who want to supplement their musical studies by learning and developing skills in Music Theory. 

The Music Theory course materials posted on this website provide:

  • A comprehensive, “skills-based approach” to learning
    Music Theory; 
  • Focus on the practical aspects of Music Theory, coordinated
    with each student’s vocal or instrumental music studies;
  • Appropriate for students of classical, jazz or popular music.
  • 3 levels of Music Theory instruction are offered:
    Introductory, Intermediate & Advanced.

Introductory Music Theory focuses on the essential knowledge and skills related to reading and writing music. Printable handout materials will help connect Music Theory knowledge and skills to each student’s instrumental or vocal study and practice.

Some of the course topics include:

  • The Elements of Music
  • Basic Major & Minor Key Signatures
  • Basic Interval Identification
  • Basic Major & Minor Scales & Arpeggios
  • Basic Musical Terminology & Markings

Intermediate Music Theory focuses on more advanced skills related to reading & writing music including:

  • Intermediate Harmony (Triads & Seventh Chords)
  • Harmonic Cadences
  • Intermediate Musical Terminology (Italian, German & French)
  • Articulation Markings & Terminology
  • Intermediate Scale Construction
    –  Melodic & Harmonic Minor Scales
    – Chromatic Scales
    – Blues Scales
    – Whole Tone Scales & Harmony
    – Modal Scales & Harmony

Advanced Music Theory includes:

  • Extended Harmonies (9th, 11th& 13th Chords / Altered Chords / Whole Tone Harmonies)
  • Advanced Harmonic Analysis
  • Rules of Voice Leading
  • Specialized Skills
    1. Transposition at Sight (classical Trumpet & French horn; Jazz musicians; Vocal accompanists)
    2. Figured Bass Realization (harp, keyboard & lute family instruments)
    3. Playing or Accompanying from Lead Sheets (for keyboard musicians)