$16

weekly

or $125 for 8 classes

Music Theory Essentials: The Basics of Reading and Understanding Music

New class

Ages 13-18

Live Group Course

This 8-week virtual music theory course is designed for beginners seeking to build a solid foundation in music theory. Over the course of two months, students will explore essential musical concepts in a structured, interactive setting.

Lynlie Simpson

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(16 reviews)

Live video meetings

1x per week, 8 weeks

1-6 learners per class

30 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

8 live meetings

4 in-class hours

Projects

1 hour per week. For our last class, learners will be assigned a final project where they will either analyze or compose a short piece and present their findings to the class.

Assessment

1 after class completion

Class Experience

This class will be mostly lecture based and will use Google Slides to present information. Videos will be referenced from YouTube, and we will use Musictheory.net to practice our theory skills. 

My teaching style is student-centered and interactive, asking questions and encouraging discussion frequently. I use several visual and auditory aids to present information in different ways. Students will receive constructive feedback on their assignments and final project.

For information about weekly topics, please check out the Syllabus.

Learning Goals

Students will learn the fundamentals of music theory, including how to read music, build basic chords, and identify intervals through ear training.

Syllabus

8 Lessons

over 8 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Introduction to Music Theory

 1. Why is music theory important?
2. Staff, treble clef, bass clef
3. Note names, lines and spaces
4. Note values (whole, half, quarter, eighth)
5. Assignment

30 mins online live lesson

Lesson 2:

Rhythm and Meter

 1. What is rhythm?
2. Note and rest values (whole, half, quarter, eighth)
3. Time signatures
4. Musical examples 
5. Assignment

30 mins online live lesson

Lesson 3:

Scales and Keys

 1. Major scales
2. Minor scales
3. Key signatures
4. Circle of fifths
5. Assignment

30 mins online live lesson

Lesson 4:

Intervals and Ear Training

 1. What is an interval?
2. Recognizing intervals on the staff
3. Ear training with basic intervals
4. Musical examples
5. Assignment

30 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Pre-Requisites

This class starts at the very beginning. If you have no previous musical experience, you are welcome here! If you are already a musician and want to ensure that your fundamentals are solid, enroll now!

Language of Instruction

English

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Lynlie Simpson

Joined January, 2022

5.0

16reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Arkansas Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts

2 Degrees

Master's Degree in Music from University of Missouri-Kansas City

Bachelor's Degree in Music from Arkansas State University

My name is Lynlie Simpson, and I am a music educator. I have a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in flute performance. I love all kinds of music, and I am a teacher at heart! I truly believe that when placed in the right environment, every child can be successful. I joined Outschool because I love being a virtual teacher. Teaching online allows us to connect across any distance. This gives opportunity to students who may not have music classes in their area. If I'm not teaching or playing flute...you can find me reading a good book or hanging out with my dog, Stanley!