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? These one-on-one sessions are designed for learners who want to cover the foundations of music theory and over the course of multiple sessions, understand how to read and write sheet music and develop 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. Homework is optional and intended to allow learners to continue to explore what they are learning.

As a one-on-one class, the concepts we cover can be customized for students from a range of musical backgrounds -  from no prior music experience to knowing how to play an instrument at a beginner to intermediate level. If you have more advanced experience with music but haven't learned much music theory yet, this class will also be a good fit for you! 

Below is an overview of basic concepts that we would begin with in this class. Each concept listed below usually takes a full session to cover and explore, so unless you just want to fill in some music theory knowledge gaps for yourself, it is recommended to take multiple sessions of this class. If you are not sure how many sessions you should sign up for, please send me a message describing the learner's music experience and ability to read music notation and their goals, and I will be able to make a recommendation. 

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

- Learning about the musical alphabet, how to read treble and bass clef, and the basics of using Noteflight.

- Learning the basics of intervals and the pattern of intervals for major scales. 

- Learning how to write a melody in C major in Noteflight and how to make changes to your written melody.

- Learning about sharps, flats, and key signatures.

- Learning about the circle of fifths and the ways we use it when writing music.

- Learning how to form a simple chord called a triad and experimenting with writing chords in Noteflight.

- Learning about basic chord progressions in major keys and experimenting with creating different chord progressions, noting what makes something sound like an "end" and what makes it sound like it needs to "keep going". 

- Learning how to quickly add a melody to any repeating chord progression.

- Learning how to add simple chords to a melody, and experimenting with adding chords to your own melody.

- Learning about minor scales and their three basic forms, and experimenting with writing melodies in minor keys.

- Learning the differences between chord progressions in major keys and basic chord progressions in minor keys.

- Working on a larger project in your key of choice (major or minor), including writing melodies, harmonies, and experimenting with combinations of different timbres of different instruments in Noteflight.

- Learning how to compose a duet for two same instruments or different instruments.

- Learning how to write a four-part harmony (commonly known as a SATB harmony, or soprano-alto-tenor-bass, with 4 different moving lines).


As a violinist for over 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!