Music Theory and History

Music Theory & History

These courses are designed for general interest, as well as for preparation for Royal Conservatory exams. They are also designed to meet the theory entrance requirements for the University Transfer Bachelor of Music program offered at Douglas College, as well as other colleges and universities. Exam applications and fees, and costs of materials, such as textbooks and staff paper, are not included.

Please Note: Group classes require a minimum of three students. If the registration is below the minimum, students are welcome to register for private or semi-private lessons. A commitment for the full twelve weeks is required for all Music Theory and History classes.

All classes are taught by Gordon Paslawski. 

Classes are held Mondays and/or Thursdays subject to minimum enrolement. Private lessons are available. Please contact the Community Music School at 604-527-5469 for more information.

 

Preliminary Rudiments

The first of three courses exploring the fundamentals of musical notation, students study the diatonic major and minor scales up to and including four sharps and flats, melodic and harmonic intervals up to and including the octave, and the major and minor triads. Other topics include meter, rhythm, transposition, and analysis. Students will gain experience reading both treble and bass clef, as well as become acquainted with many important musical terms and signs.

This class is highly recommended for those who are starting private lessons or who belong to a choir or band.

9 hours of instruction $225

 

Intermediate Rudiments 

A continuation of the materials studied in Preliminary Rudiments, this course looks at the remaining major and minor scales (up to and including seven sharps and flats) and several non-diatonic scales. As a continuation of their study of intervals and triads, students are introduced to the concept of inversion.  Complementing the discussion on analysis, this course also explores more complicated meters and rhythmic patterns.  Finally, students are acquainted with writing simple cadence formulas in both keyboard and chorale style.

This class in conjunction with Advanced Rudiments will prepare students to meet the theory entrance requirements for the Bachelor of Music program at Douglas College and other colleges and universities.

9 hours of instruction $225

Advanced Rudiments

This course completes our study of the rudiments of music.  Students acquire a working knowledge of C clefs, complex/hybrid meters, modes, enharmonicism, and chord structures involving sevenths. Students continue their study of cadence, learning to write more complex cadential formulas, again in both keyboard and chorale style. Students are introduced to the idea of transposition and transposing instruments, and finally, their study of analysis introduces the student the various score types, including modern vocal and string quartet.

This class will prepare students to meet the theory entrance requirements for the University Transfer Bachelor of Music program at Douglas College and other colleges and universities.

9 hours of instruction $225

Harmony I - Basic

A thorough knowledge of rudiments is required. This class includes analysis and writing of elementary four-part harmony, melody writing and the study of musical form.

24 hours of instruction $300

Harmony II - Intermediate

20 hours of instruction $250 

Harmony III - Advanced

20 hours of instruction $250 

Music History 1 - An Introduction to Music History

An introduction to music history, this course surveys four historical periods: the Baroque, Classical, the Romantic eras, and the 20th Century. Students will study the careers and musical styles of representative composers from each period. Through the study of specific works (listening to the music and reading the scores), students will acquire a working knowledge of different musical genres, technical terms, concepts and form.
This course is a co-requisite for students taking their RCM Grade 9 practical examinations.

16 hours of instruction $400

Music History 2 - A Survey of Early, Baroque and Classical Music

This course studies the origin and development of various musical forms and genres in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Baroque and Classical eras. Students will acquire an understanding of technical terms, concepts, forms and different musical styles by examining the works of representative composers from each period.
It is recommended that the student complete the introduction to music history (Grade 3) before registering for this course. This course is a co-requisite for students taking their RCM Grade 10 practical examinations.

20 hours of instruction $500

Music History 3 - A Survey of Music from the Romantic Era to the Present

This course concentrates on the musical styles of the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition to studying the careers, musical styles, accomplishments and contributions of such composers as Johannes Brahms, Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, Bela Bartok and Arnold Schoenberg, students will expand their vocabulary of technical terms and concepts, as well as develop a deeper understanding of the significant musical genres of these periods. A component devoted exclusively to Canadian music examines the works of Harry Somers, Jean Coulthard, Claude Vivier and Christos Hatzis, to name a few.
This course is a co-requisite for students taking their ARCT practical examinations.

20 hours of instruction $500

 

Theory for Kids

A recent addition to the curriculum, this course is designed specifically for young students interested in learning the fundamentals of music yet who dread or have no interest in taking conservatory theory exams. The instructor¿s goal is to introduce students to a variety of concepts¿such as scale, key, harmony, rhythm, meter, and form¿develop their musical understanding and improve their ability to read musical scores, while cultivating a stress-free, fun, and supportive classroom environment.

Once weekly.  Call for date and time details.
Ages: 8-13 yrs.

 

Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations

The RCM examination dates are listed here: http://www.rcmexaminations.org/