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)
This is an asynchronous class held over 8 weeks. Each week, we’ll complete a unit which includes video lessons, assignments, and quizzes. Students can log on any day/time of the week to complete this work and receive direct feedback and guidance from the instructor. 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 fixed schedule, and so you’ll 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. Feel free to 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.

Schedule

Tuition Assistance

Levine Music is dedicated to providing quality music education for all students, opening our doors to anyone who wants to learn music, no matter their ability or financial circumstances.