Music Theory Online for Adults – Basics offers a unique approach to the building blocks of music theory. The class can be taken by total beginners, or by musicians who just want to brush up on their theory skills.
Students who complete the course will be given a comprehensive primer in the following topics:
Unit 1: Basic Rhythms and Meter
- Basic note values (quarter, half, whole, dotted half)
- Counting
- Simple time signatures
Unit 2: The Staff and Clefs
- Treble and bass clef
- Identifying notes on the staff
Unit 3: The Keyboard, Grand Staff, and Steps
- Identifying notes on the keyboard
- The grand staff
- Steps on the keyboard and staff
Unit 4: More Rhythm and Meter
- Additional note values (eighth, sixteenth)
- Rest values
- Dotted rhythms
- Compound time signatures
Unit 5: Sharps and Flats
- Half Steps and Whole Steps
- Identifying sharps and flats on the keyboard/staff
- Identifying whole steps and half steps on the keyboard/staff
Unit 6: The Major Scale
- The major tetrachord
- Writing major scales using whole steps and half steps
- Major scale concepts
Unit 7: Minor Scales
- Writing minor scales using whole steps and half steps
- Relative minor
Unit 8: Key Signatures
- The order of sharps and flats
- The circle of fifths
- Identifying major and minor key signatures
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.