• Faculty
• Placement
• Classes

Courses in music theory are critical to every student’s musical education. The School of Performing Arts offers a progression of courses ranging from the most basic concepts, such as reading pitches and rhythm in the treble and bass clefs, through the most complex analysis of ultra-chromatic harmony of the 19th century, to the various approaches to 20th century analysis.

Prior to enrollment in theory classes, students are evaluated to assess their level of knowledge contact the Front Office to inquire about taking the theory evaluation. Evaluations are normally done in the fall, and enrollment is assumed to be a year-long commitment. Students continue in the same class from fall to spring terms. At the end of the year, continuing students are evaluated and advised on class enrollment for the following year. Those inquiring about theory instruction mid-term are usually advised to be evaluated in the fall.

 

• Spaeth, Warren (Chair, Music Theory Department; Advanced Theory, AP Theory, College Theory, Elementary Theory, Intermediate Theory)


• Dutton, Douglas (Advanced Theory, Ear Training, Elementary Theory, Intermediate Theory)
• Sawada, Kathy (Piano; Elementary Theory, Fundamental Concepts II, Introduction to Music Theory)

 

Prior to enrollment in theory classes, students are evaluated to assess their level of knowledge; contact the CSPA Office to inquire about taking the theory evaluation. Evaluations are normally done in the fall, and enrollment is assumed to be a year-long commitment. Students continue in the same class from fall to spring terms. At the end of the year, continuing students are evaluated and advised on class enrollment for the following year. Those inquiring about theory instruction mid-term are usually advised to be evaluated in the fall.

 

Duration: 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes , as determined by the instructor
Individual private instruction in music theory is offered at various levels. A placement evaluation and an interview with the teacher is required.

Duration: 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes, as determined by the instructor

Individual private instruction in composition is offered to students able to place into the School’s Advanced Theory class. A placement evaluation is required.

Duration: 55 minutes

Focusing on reading and notation skills, this year-long class prepares students for Elementary Music Theory. Facility in ear training, sight singing, and rhythmic concepts are emphasized as a foundation for appreciation, analysis and performance. Basic principles of music as a coordinated activity in time and space are taught as a context for appreciating the relationship among rhythm, harmony and melody.

Duration: 55 minutes

This course introduces students to the basic components of music, including major and minor scales, intervals and triads. The ear training component focuses on aural recognition of the concepts that are studied in written theory, including an introduction to sight singing using solfege.

Duration: 55 minutes

Building on the foundation of Elementary Theory I, this class focuses on more challenging sight singing and dictation. In addition, seventh chords and their inversions are introduced, as well as the fundamental principles of functional harmony and the classification of the most common non-harmonic tones.

Duration: 55 minutes

This level of theory focuses on the basic elements of diatonic harmony, functional analysis, recognition of all non-harmonic tones, introduction to four-part harmony, and figured bass. Analysis of simple Bach chorales and simple binary and ternary forms is included, as is concomitant ear training.

Duration: 55 minutes

Building on the knowledge gained in Intermediate Theory I, the focus of this class is on introducing chromatic harmony, and chromatic nonharmonic tones. Secondary dominants and chromatic diminished 7th chords are the primary focus, including their application to figured bass. Concomitant ear training is continued.

Duration: 110 minutes

This course is designed specifically for those high school students who will be taking the Music Theory Advanced Placement Exam. Because the exam is a rigorous one, the class has a mandatory minimum attendance requirement. Admission to this class is by permission of the instructor..

Duration: 55 minutes

This course is designed for those students who already have a secure knowledge of diatonic harmony and elementary chromatic harmony. The focus is on the Neapolitan 6th chord, the augmented 6th and altered chords. In addition, modulation to distant keys and enharmonic modulation are discussed. The analysis of larger forms, i.e., sonata form, theme and variations, rondo and sonata-rondo form is included. The ear training component for this course is equally challenging.

Note: Fees for classes with enrollment of three or less will be based on the private instruction rate divided by the number enrolled.