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Basic Music Rudiments Theory

Introduce your child to the fundamentals of music with a fun and engaging class on basic music rudiments. Students will learn musical notation, note values, and essential concepts that build a strong foundation for future music studies.
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Class
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What's included

16 live meetings
8 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. 1-2 per week
Progress Report
1 after class completion

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
This engaging and interactive music rudiments class introduces young learners to the fundamentals of music theory, setting a strong foundation for future musical growth. The class is designed to be accessible for beginners, incorporating a variety of activities to make learning fun and engaging.

What Will Be Taught?
Students will learn essential music theory concepts, including:
Musical Notation – Reading notes on the staff, treble and bass clefs
Rhythm & Note Values – Whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes, as well as rests
Time Signatures & Measures – Understanding common time signatures and organizing music into measures
The Grand Staff & Keyboard Basics – Connecting notation to the piano keyboard
Dynamics & Articulations – Expressing music through volume changes and playing styles
Scales & Key Signatures – Learning C major and accidentals (sharps, flats, naturals)
Intervals & Chords – Recognizing melodic and harmonic intervals, building basic triads
Composition & Creativity – Creating a short musical piece using learned concepts
How is the Class Structured?
The class is divided into eight weeks, with two lessons per week. Each lesson builds upon previous topics, ensuring steady progress. Every session follows a structured format:

Introduction & Review – Quick recap of prior lessons and a fun warm-up
New Concept Instruction – Teaching the day's topic using slides, interactive discussion, and guided practice
Engaging Activities – Hands-on exercises, rhythm games, and note-reading practice
Application & Practice – Real-world applications using a keyboard (if available) or interactive music software
Q&A and Wrap-Up – Encouraging students to ask questions and summarize key takeaways

How Will I Teach?
Multi-Sensory Approach – Incorporating visual (slides, videos), auditory (listening exercises, clapping rhythms), and kinesthetic (drawing notes, playing instruments) learning methods
Interactive Learning – Encouraging active participation through discussions, movement-based games, and group activities
Step-by-Step Guidance – Breaking down complex concepts into manageable lessons, with clear examples and practice exercises
Creativity & Expression – Allowing students to apply their learning by composing their own short musical pieces
Teaching Style
I use an engaging, supportive, and student-centered approach to teaching. I believe learning music should be fun, so I incorporate hands-on activities, movement, and creativity to help students stay engaged. My teaching style emphasizes encouragement, patience, and step-by-step guidance, ensuring each student builds confidence in their music skills.

How Much Interaction Will Learners Have?
Students will have plenty of opportunities to interact, both with me and with each other:
Live Instruction & Demonstration – I will explain and demonstrate concepts through slides, videos, and real-time examples
Hands-On Activities – Students will practice writing music, clapping rhythms, and playing notes
Group Discussions – Encouraging students to share their thoughts and ask questions in a supportive environment
Personalized Feedback – I will provide individual feedback on exercises and assignments to help students improve
By the end of this course, students will have a solid foundation in music theory and the confidence to continue their musical journey, whether playing an instrument, singing, or composing their own music!

Learning Goals

Read and Identify Musical Notes

Recognize notes on the treble and bass clefs
Understand how notes are positioned on the musical staff
Identify middle C and relate notes to a keyboard
Understand Rhythm and Note Values

Differentiate between whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes and their corresponding rests
Count and clap rhythmic patterns accurately
Recognize and use time signatures such as 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4
learning goal

Syllabus

16 Lessons
over 8 Weeks
Lesson 1:
The Basics of Music
 My lesson is about introducing students to the concept of music, how sound is organized, and why music is important in different cultures. We will explore pitch, rhythm, and melody through simple listening activities. 
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Musical Staff and Clefs
 My lesson is about understanding the five-line staff, the treble and bass clefs, and how notes are positioned on the staff. Students will practice drawing the staff and placing notes correctly. 
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Understanding Note Values
 My lesson is about teaching whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes, as well as their corresponding rests. Students will clap different note values to internalize rhythm. 
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Counting and Clapping Rhythms
 My lesson is about practicing rhythm patterns using different time signatures. Students will learn to read, write, and perform simple rhythmic exercises. 
30 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
This class does not contain any upsetting, scary, or sensitive content. All materials are age-appropriate and designed to be engaging and educational for beginners. Third-Party Tools: This class may use Noteflight or Musictheory.net for interactive exercises. No account is required for students to access these tools. If additional external resources are introduced, parents will be notified in advance. No safety precautions are necessary, as this is a theory-based class with no physical risks.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Sources for Basic Music Theory: How to Read, Write, and Understand Written Music The curriculum for this class is based on widely recognized music theory resources, including: Books & Educational Resources: “Basic Music Theory: How to Read, Write, and Understand Written Music” – By Jonathan Harnum Online Resources & Interactive Tools: musictheory.net – Interactive exercises on notation, rhythm, and intervals Noteflight – A tool for students to practice notation and composition All materials used in the class follow educational standards for beginner music learners. Parents will be informed of any additional materials or external resources introduced during the course.
Joined February, 2025
New on Outschool
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Cornell University
I bring a strong background in music, performance, and education, with formal training in both music theory and piano performance. I have experience teaching music to students in private and group settings, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for young learners.

Cornell University – Minor in Music
Studied under Professor Xak Bjerken in piano performance
Relevant coursework includes:
Composer’s Toolbox I (composition techniques)
Instrumentation (understanding orchestration and arranging)
Songwriting (melodic and harmonic structures)
Music Theory, Materials & Technique II (advanced theory concepts)
Classical Music from 1750 to Present (historical and analytical study)
Independent Studies in Composition (2024 – Present)
Composing four 5–10-minute works under Professor Elizabeth Ogonek
Exploring music theory, structure, and arrangement in-depth
Teaching & Tutoring Experience
Private Piano Tutor (Cornell University, 2021)
Provided weekly 1-hour lessons to a student
Covered fundamentals of piano and music notation, finger technique, and expression
Cornell Piano Society – Piano Tutor (2022)
Taught two students in bi-weekly 30-45 minute lessons
Focused on jazz and pop music, helping students read and interpret music notation
Accompanying Pianist – Cornell Glee Club (2022-2023)
Rehearsed with 50+ choir musicians, developing strong collaborative skills
Performed in concerts and engaged with conductors and vocalists to enhance performances
Performance & Musical Experience
Chamber Ensemble Pianist (2022) – Collaborated with string players to perform Dvořák and Brahms
Amalfi Music Festival Participant (2022, Italy) – Studied under world-renowned pianists Jerome Lowenthal and Joo Hee Sun
Bjerken Studio Performances (2023-2024) – Performed pieces by Felix Blumenfeld and Claude Debussy in concert settings
Teaching Style & Approach
I believe in making music fun, interactive, and engaging by combining:
Clear, structured instruction – Breaking down concepts step-by-step
Hands-on activities – Clapping rhythms, drawing notation, and playing instruments
Encouragement and creativity – Allowing students to compose their own music
Personalized guidance – Adjusting teaching methods to fit each student's learning style
With my formal training in music theory, performance experience, and teaching background, I aim to provide a strong foundation for young learners while fostering their creativity and confidence in music.

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$4

weekly

2x per week, 8 weeks
30 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
2-6 learners per class

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