Music Theory Class for Adults: Grades 1-2
Grades 1 and 2 over 8 weeks, two hours a week
This intensive 8-week course introduces the basics of music theory: how the elements of music combine to create the music we love
We cover Grades 1 and 2 of AMEB Musicianship, with extra material showing how the theory applies to both classical and contemporary music
For adults who are learning to sing or play a musical instrument, or experienced musicians wanting to refresh their skills
Learn the secrets of music, and how to apply them
Course Outline
Week 1
- The Elements of Music
- Pitch and Music Notation
- Treble and bass clef
- Names of notes, leger lines
- Sharps, flats and naturals
Week 2
- Scales and Keys
- Naming intervals by number
- Major scales and key signatures
- The Cycle of Fifths
- Rhythm
- Tempo
- Time signatures
Week 3
- Minor Scales and Keys
- Scale degree numbers
- Natural minor, harmonic minor and melodic minor scales
- Simple and Compound Time Signatures
- Dividing the beat
Week 4
- Chords
- Introduction to harmony
- The Tonic triad
- More about rhythm
- Triplets
- Anacrusis
- Ties and slurs
Week 5
- More about chords
- Scale degree names
- Primary chords: tonic, subdominant and dominant
- Labelling chords: pop music chord symbols
- Beginning composition
- Composing a rhythm to words
Week 6
- Modulations (key changes)
- Modulating to the dominant, subdominant and relative minor
- Number and quality of intervals
- Naming intervals
Week 7
- Transposition
- Dynamics, articulation, phrasing and expression
- Expression terms
Week 8
- Revision
- Past paper
Register your interest in Grades 1-2
Contact Susan to register your interest in this class.
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More information
FAQs: about music theory classes
Information about the venue, transport, parking, course materials and prerequisites
Short workshops
Susan also conducts one-off workshops on various aspects of music theory, education and practice.
Private lessons
One-to-one lessons, tailored to your needs, in person or via Zoom
Learn Music Theory
Back to Music Theory main page“I have never studied music before and was always frustrated that I didn’t understand “the language.” This course was great for me because it has commenced my understanding”
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“The course has been wonderful, I even started to love Mondays. It has really broken down and made sense out of the bits and pieces I couldn’t wrap my brain around, but now can. I think that this course has set the foundations for my long-life education in music” - Sara, Ashfield
“The course was splendid. It was comprehensive; really challenging but enjoyable in content for me who'd not done musicianship. Your preparation is exemplary! Examples you've accumulated and their appropriateness is just super. Your knowledge is fantastic too!”
“The repetition of revision questions each week was particularly valuable for me as I started to feel more familiar with terms and concepts”
“I really appreciated your approach. You were very supportive of someone who knew virtually nothing about musicianship. Each week added to the jigsaw puzzle to make terms and the overall pattern clearer to me. Thank you so much for this opportunity”