Music Theory for Intermediate Level: Harmony & Function

Take your music theory knowledge to the next level with this comprehensive course designed for intermediate students. By the end of these 12 lessons, you'll have:

1. Advanced understanding of musical notation, including complex rhythms and time signatures
2. Proficiency in identifying and constructing various intervals and chords
3. A solid grasp of functional harmony and its application in music analysis
4. The ability to recognize and utilize different types of seventh chords
5. In-depth knowledge of major and minor scales, including their relationships
6. Skills to analyze and interpret Bach chorales and other musical works
7. Improved ear training abilities for recognizing intervals and chord qualities
8. The capacity to compose an original piece applying advanced theory concepts
9. Familiarity with MuseScore for music notation and composition

Course Experience:

This intensive 12-lesson course combines theory, ear training, and practical application. Each 30-minute session includes presentation, listening exercises, discussions, and hands-on activities to reinforce learning.

What you'll achieve:

• Master advanced musical notation and rhythmic concepts
• Develop a keen ear for intervals and chord qualities
• Understand and apply functional harmony in music analysis and composition
• Gain proficiency in recognizing and using various seventh chords
• Deepen your understanding of major and minor scales and their relationships
• Create an original composition showcasing your advanced theory knowledge

Our teaching approach:

• Interactive lectures with ample opportunity for questions and discussion
• Regular ear training exercises to develop critical listening skills
• Practical analysis of real musical works, including Bach chorales
• Progressive skill-building from intermediate to advanced topics
• A final composition project using MuseScore to apply all learned concepts

Key Features:

• 75% Music Theory, 25% Ear Training
• Individualized attention through practice tests and ear training exercises
• Live presentations and in-class activities for each topic
• Regular quizzes and reviews to reinforce learning
• Peer feedback on the final composition project

By the end of this course, you'll have a sophisticated understanding of music theory and the ability to apply it in both analysis and composition. You'll be well-prepared for advanced music studies, more complex compositions, or deeper exploration of your instrument.

Ready to elevate your music theory knowledge and skills? Book your first lesson today and embark on a journey to musical mastery!

(Please book at least one day in advance to allow for thorough lesson preparation.)

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Syllabus:

Lesson 1: Advanced Ledger Lines, 32nd & 64th Notes, Compound Time Signatures
Learners will learn about what advanced ledger lines are in music, the differences between 32nd & 64 notes, and compound time signatures through a series of in-class activities led by the instructor.

Lesson 2: Triplets & Advanced Time Signatures
Learners will be introduced to different triplet rhythms and other time signatures within the simple and compound structures.  

Lesson 3: Perfect Intervals, Major and Minor Intervals 
Learners will be introduced to a variety of perfect, major, and minor intervals through a series of in-class activities and be able to relate it to popular tunes to help internalise the intervals. 

Lesson 4: Augmented and Diminished, Intervals, Inversion of Intervals, Interval Review
Learners will be able to develop the skills to hear the differences between augmented and diminished intervals, receive more practice with the perfect, major, and minor intervals. They will be introduced to inversions and there will be a review. 

Lesson 5: Triads & Chord Qualities, Triad Review, Triad Inversion Review
Learners will continue to develop their knowledge about triads and chord qualities. In this lesson, we will also discuss the function of these different chord qualities. There will be a review session that will involve an in-class quiz on triads and their inversions.

Lesson 6: Changing a Minor Triad to a Major Triad, Changing a Major Triad to a Minor Triad 
Students will learn how to change a minor triad to a major triad and vice versa. We will also introduce the meaning of functional harmony in music and how it relates to major and minor triads. There will be a series of in-class exercise where learners will need to identify the difference between major and minor triads. 

Lesson 7: Triads & Chord Qualities; Bach Chorale Analysis Assignment
Learners will develop their knowledge of triads and learn how they work in functional harmony through macro and micro analysis.  

Lesson 8: Dominant 7th and Major 7th Chords | Minor 7th & Diminished 7th Chords  	
Students will learn about the following seventh chords: dominant, major, minor, and diminished along with relevant musical examples that illustrate its usage in music theory.

Lesson 9: Advanced Chord Theory Quiz, Review of Major Scales and Keys, The Relative Minor
There will be an in-class review about chords, major and minor key signatures. There will be a project where learners will analyse a work that uses seventh chords that will be provided by the instructor. 

Lesson 10: The Relative Minor | Minor Scales: Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, and Melodic Minor 
Learners will develop their knowledge about the following minor scales: natural, harmonic, and melodic. There will be in-class activities that will help reinforce these concepts.

Lesson 11: Circle of Fifths, Scales Quiz, Repeats, Signs and Symbols
Learners will review the circle of fifths, major and minor scales, the use of repeats, different signs, and musical symbols. The instructor will provide the musical prompt for the final composition and a tutorial on how to use MuseScore.

Lesson 12: Final composition & Review
For the final project, students will compose their own composition assignments. Students will post a recording of their composition via pdf and a recording to the classroom. Students in the class will be expected to listen and comment on each others work in a positive and constructive manner. 

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Please be sure to book at least one day in advance to give me time to prepare!  Thank you and hope to see you soon!