Music Theory Lessons

 

Music theory is essential for students who are determined to advance their music study. By taking this course, students will learn the steps, logics, rules and reasons to write music in a standard and professional way.

Our music theory lessons cover an extensive range of topics, which will help students understand and speak the language of music. Students will be required to study prescribed textbooks and complete a set of theory workbooks. In lessons, students will experiment and apply music theory to enhance their music performance. The aim is to equip students with the ability to think critically in music.

The lessons can be tailored to prepare students for music theory exams held by the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB), Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity College London (TCL). In AMEB and ABRSM, music theory exam is a prerequisite for practical exams at advanced level.

The following topics will be covered in our music theory lessons.

  • Students will learn pitch names and notation. The aim is to help students recognise different notes in treble, bass, alto and tenor clef with ease. Students will also gain experience in writing music using various clefs.

  • Students will learn to identify and group different types of notes and rests. Divisions of notes and rests in both regular and irregular time will also be covered in depth.

  • A comprehensive range of time signature in simple and compound time is covered. Also, irregular time signatures, which are commonly used in the 20th and 21st century, will also be discussed.

  • From simple rhythms to complex polyrhythms, students will learn the logics behind how different rhythms should be written and performed correctly. The aim is to equip students with the ability to handle complex rhythms.

  • Students will learn the structure and origin of musical scales in different forms. They will gain insight into the evolution of scales throughout music history. In this way, they will understand why different types of scales exist and how the role of tonality changes over different musical periods.

  • Composers intentionally use different intervals to create special effects. Students will learn to identify the quality and quantity of intervals. More importantly, students will learn the function of different intervals so that they can interpret music accurately.

  • Students will learn the structure and the function of different triads in relation to the key. Application of chord extensions will also be discussed. The ability to recognise different triads will greatly improve sight-reading and shorten the time needed to learn new music.

  • The ability to think in different keys is vital to effective music learning. It allows students to understand and anticipate music at any point of time. This topic will help students perform music in a rational, logical and objective way.

  • Students will learn to identify primary and intermediate chords. Common chord progressions and their variations will be discussed at great length. Students are expected to understand the syntax of music so that they can develop a greater control over different styles of music.

  • Students will learn how different chords can be used to end a phrase or section of music in order to achieve certain purposes. By studying this topic, students can apply this knowledge to other aspects of music such as composition, aural training and musicology to enhance their overall musicianship.

  • This topic covers the musical ornaments and embellishments throughout different musical periods. Students will learn how to name, write and perform various decorative symbols.

  • Students will learn the function of each voice and how to construct polyphonic music. In this way, students will gain insight into the origin of classical and modern music.

  • Students will learn the features of different instruments families, such as string, woodwind, brass, percussion and keyboard instruments. It paves the way for students to study chamber and orchestral music.

  • Most performance directions are written in Latin, Italian, French and German. Students will learn the meaning of the most common musical terms. The goal is to help students understand and interpret music pieces accurately.