Learn How to Compose Your Own Song! - Music Theory 101 for Teens

Do you want to learn the basics of writing music, but don't have any musical background and don't know where to start? Or do you have some background in music, but want to start digging into music theory and how music is composed? In this 10-week class, we will cover the foundations of music theory and by the end, not only will you understand how to read sheet music, you'll have written your own professional-looking short piece of music, complete with a melody and harmony!

To better understand all the foundational music theory concepts we're covering, each class will include instruction and demonstration, plus lots of interaction through discussion and practicing applying the concepts. We will use free online music notation software called Noteflight both during class and for homework. 

This class is designed for learners who range from no prior music experience to some limited music experience, such as playing an instrument at a beginning or first-year level. If you have more experience with music but haven't learned much music theory yet, this class will also be a good fit for you! Learners can expect to spend up to 1 hour per week outside of class time working on practicing or experimenting with the concepts that are covered in class. 

Below is an overview of what we will cover during this class:

Week 1: Learn what qualifies as a "note," identifying note values (rhythms), rests, how time signatures work, and how to write a complete measure rhythmically.

Week 2: Learn about the musical alphabet, how to read treble and bass clef, and the basics of using Noteflight.

Week 3: Learn the basics of intervals, the pattern of intervals for major scales, and then experiment with writing a melody in C major in Noteflight. 

Week 4: Learn about sharps and flats, key signatures, and the circle of fifths.

Week 5: Learn how to form a simple chord called a triad and experiment with writing chords in Noteflight.

Week 6: Learn about basic chord progressions in major keys and experiment with creating different chord progressions, noting what makes something sound like an "end" and what makes it sound like it needs to "keep going". 

Week 7: Learn how to add simple chords to a melody, and experiment with adding chords to your own melody.

Week 8:  Learn about minor scales and their three basic forms, and basic chord progressions in minor keys.

Week 9: Experiment with writing melodies and chords in minor keys, then begin working on our final projects (8 measure melody and harmony - your choice of major or minor). 

Week 10: Work on final projects together, and present them in class!

As a violinist for 30 years and as a music teacher for over 20 years, I know that understanding music theory is a fantastic way to improve musicianship. Because of this, I've always incorporated a little music theory into every violin lesson I teach, from beginning to advanced and elementary through high school level. The music theory classes I took in college were also some of my very favorite classes, so I am really excited to bring this subject to life for your learners, too!