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1-on-1 Music Theory - Learn How to Compose Your Own Music Step-by-Step

Class
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Rebecca Portillo
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(39)
One-on-one music theory instruction to develop the understanding needed to write your own music in standard music notation, customized to the learner's personal preferences and goals!

Class experience

Beginner - Intermediate Level
Students will learn foundational music theory concepts which can include:
- Reading music notation in treble and bass clef
- Understanding time signatures
- Understanding rhythm notation
- Understanding sharps and flats
- Understanding key signatures and scales
- Understanding basic intervals
- Introduction to the circle of fifths
- Able to form triads (simple chords)
- Understanding of main differences between major and minor keys
- Introduction to common chord progressions
- Able to write a melody
- Able to write chords to accompany a melody
- Able to write chord progressions in different keys
- Able to write duets for two different instruments
- Able to write four part harmony
I have a BA in Music Education and have been teaching music for well over 20 years now. As part of my bachelor's degree training in music education, I took several courses in music theory plus writing and arranging music for chorus, band, and orchestra for student musicians at the elementary through high school level. After completing my degree, I went on to complete graduate courses to obtain a single-subject K-12 credential in music. Since understanding music theory is an essential part of becoming a better musician, I have always incorporated it into whichever instrument I am teaching at the level of the student, beginner to advanced, and elementary through high school level. 
Homework Offered
Homework will be an extension of what we work on in class to give you more practice or a chance to experiment with what you are learning. All homework will either be provided as an editable PDF or can be completed in Noteflight (free online music notation software). The homework assigned is optional and can instead be completed together during a subsequent class session. Homework for each session should take 20-40 minutes, although you may find yourself spending more time if you're really having fun experimenting with writing your music!
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
Learners will need a free Noteflight account in the instructor's provided Noteflight domain (https://portillomusic.sites.noteflight.com/) and one of the following browsers to use the Noteflight online software: Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Mobile Safari. The learner's Noteflight username will be provided before the first class meeting. Please note that the instructor specific Noteflight domain will have a separate login than the public Noteflight domain to ensure learner safety, so if you already have a regular Noteflight account you will still be provided with a free account in the instructor's Noteflight domain. 
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Students will be assigned their own private account through my Noteflight Learn domain, which is separate from the main consumer accounts on Noteflight for student safety. As the Noteflight team explains on their website: "Noteflight Learn is appropriate for students of all ages, and is compliant with COPPA, FERPA, GDPR and CCPA. Noteflight Learn allows schools and/or districts to create their own private website for their students (e.g. "schoolname.sites.noteflight.com") which serves as a walled garden, completely separate from the consumer accounts on noteflight.com." 

This means that students do not need to create an account on the main (public) Noteflight page, and will be assigned an account at https://portillomusic.sites.noteflight.com/ shortly before the first class session.
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(39)
Profile
I teach violin, viola, general music, and music theory - sometimes all at once! 

I have been playing the violin for 30 years and teaching music for over 20 years. I learned how to play a variety of other instruments in college through my college... 
1-on-1 Lessons

$32

per session
Meets on demand
40 min

Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15

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