Music Theory Online for Adults – Advanced is designed for students who are already fluent in fundamental music theory skills (scales, key signatures, intervals, and triads). This class is designed to serve as a primer in college-level harmony and voice leading.
The class includes an in-depth exploration of the following topics:
Unit 1: Triads and Seventh Chords
- Triads and their inversions
- Lead sheet symbols
- Figured Bass Seventh chords and their inversions
- Hearing triad and seventh chords
Unit 2: Roman Numerals and Functional Chords
- Using Roman numerals to identify functional chords
- Combing Roman numerals with figured bass
Unit 3: Musical Texture, SATB Texture
- Types of musical texture
- Chord voicing in SATB texture
- Close and open position chords
Unit 4: Root-Position Voice-Leading
- Harmonic progression
- General voice-leading rules
- Types of contrapuntal motion
- Methodology for Root Position Part-Writing
Unit 5: Tonic and Dominant, Cadences
- Part writing with the tonic and dominant
- The dominant seventh
- Types of cadences
- Hearing cadences
Unit 6: The Subdominant, Supertonic, and Submediant, Melody Harmonization
- Use of the subdominant and supertonic
- Predominant function
- Use of the submediant
- Melody harmonization
- Harmonic dictation with root-position triads
Unit 7: First-Inversion Triads
- Part-writing with first-inversion triads
- Harmonic dictation with first-inversion triads
Unit 8: Second-Inversion Triads
- Part-writing with second-inversion triads
- Harmonic dictation with second-inversion triads
Levine’s online music theory classes use an innovative online classroom that provides easy access to course materials and communication between students and instructors. Integrated instructional software helps students build musical fluency in an interactive environment.
Students will hone their skills using the following software:
- Musition (Basic Theory Skills)
- Auralia (Ear Training Skills)
- Noteflight (Music Notation)
- Practice First (Sight Reading and Sight Singing)
Each unit includes an online lesson, an assignment, and a short quiz. Students can log on any day/time of the week to complete this work. Students will receive direct feedback and guidance from the instructor on their work. Students also have the opportunity to video chat with the instructor during office hours.
We understand that many adults have busy schedules and may not be able to complete work according to a fixed schedule – students will have access to the online classroom for 6-months following the date of registration.
Not sure which online theory class is right for you? Take our placement test to find out. This test is not required – students may select a class based on the description.
For more information, please contact Evan Meier, Theory Department Chair, at (202) 686-8000 x1598 or emeier@levinemusic.org.