In this class, students will learn the basics of music theory so that they can become composers themselves or simply appreciate how music is put together. This course is structured to the lay the groundwork for learners to understand the basics of pitches, intervals, the circle of fifths, building major chords, building minor chords, and the building blocks of an interesting melody. 

Students taking this course should have studied a musical instrument for at least six months and be comfortable with reading pitches in at least one clef (including flats and sharps) in order to have the basics in place to understand the content of this class. If you're unsure whether your learner is ready, please feel free to reach out. 

Week One: Bass Clef
We will learn a brief history of the bass clef, work on identifying pitches in the bass clef through games, and discuss basic rhythms.
Optional worksheet provided to work on bass clef pitches

Week Two: Treble Clef
We will review bass clef, learn a brief history of the treble clef, work on identifying pitches in the treble clef through games, and review rhythms.
Optional worksheet provided to work on treble clef pitches

Week Three: How to Build a Scale
We will review treble and bass clef as needed, learn about the formula for building a major and minor scale, and learn about the circle of fifths and how it can be used to better understand scales. 
Optional worksheet provided to work on scales

Week Four: Smaller Intervals
We will learn how to measure and label intervals, learn about smaller intervals (through perfect fifth), and listen to lots of listening examples to hear intervals in music. Any extra time in classes from here to the end of the class will be spent talking about writing a melody and spending time taking turns giving students feedback on their compositions.
An in class worksheet will be provided to help students record what they're learning about intervals.

Week Five: Bigger Intervals
We will review smaller intervals, learn about larger intervals (perfect fifth through perfect 8th), and listen to lots of examples to hear more intervals in music. 
An in class worksheet will be provided to help students record what they're learning about intervals.

Week Six: Building a Major Chord
We will learn all about major chords and play games to make major chords in different keys.
Optional worksheet provided to work on major chords

Week Seven: Building a Minor Chord
We will review major chords, learn all about minor chords, and play games to make minor chords in different keys.
Optional worksheet provided to work on minor chords

Week Eight: Review games and Composition Performance!
I'll take requests of topics students want to learn more about and we'll have an opportunity to review any past topics to ensure understanding. We'll also have an opportunity for students to perform any compositions they've been working on during the term.