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)
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 a 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.