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Music Theory: Grade 1

A series of modular courses which prepare students for the (optional) ABRSM exam; many of those who take the exam pass with distinction. A complete beginner would start at Grade I and could, with tutor guidance and the support of Kodály musicianship exercises, attain the Grade V qualification within 2 years.
  • Who is it for?

    This course is open to anyone who has an interest in notating and understanding written music through extensive theoretical musicianship exercises. No previous knowledge, experience or skills are required. Absolute beginners and those with some elementary knowledge will find it this course appropriate. Those seeking a refresher course could also find it useful.

  • What does it cover?

    This course aims to give an introduction to the fundamentals of Western music notation. Topics are taught in fortnightly blocks (depending on the complexity of the topic) with frequent revision schemes. Some historical background will be given where appropriate.

    A list of topics covered will include: Introduction to notation principles: The treble clef; The bass clef; Note values; Rhythm Metre; Introduction to scales (major/minor); Key signatures; Accidentals; Time signatures; Intervals

    Part of this course is also devoted to musicianship excercises which aim through singing and clapping to develop the topics covered in a practical way. For this relative sol-fa is used (no previous knowledge of this is required).

    By the end of the course, students should:
    1. Have a thorough understanding of the topics covered
    2. Put these into practice in the form of written excercises
    3. Musicianship excercises (e.g singing in sol-fa, clapping rhythms) appropriate for this level

  • What will it be like?

    The course will be taught in a seminar/workshop environment

    The piano will be used when demonstrating various aspects. Sometimes short pieces of recordings will be played.

    Input and discussion from students will be encouraged.

    Musicianship excercises will supplement the theoretical excercises (see above)
    All written work done by students will be checked regularly, sometimes by the tutor and someitmes by fellow students (in pairs). At the same time special attention will be given to various additional questions/ difficulties of individual students by discussing there in class.

  • What else do I need to buy or do?

    Music Theory in Practice (Grade 1) by Eric Taylor (2.95) (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)

    First Steps in Music Theory by Eric Taylor (5.95) (Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music)

    The tutor is able to buy these on behalf of the student, and orders can be placed in the first week of term.

    Additional manuscript paper and pencils, rubber, ruler.

    Some homework will be given each week. Students should be prepared to spend up to half an hour on this. It is recommended that students do their homework in order to make more sense of class work. It is also helpful to go over the material covered in the class during the week.

    Instrumental lessons are strongly encouraged, as is singing in a choir. In this respect, students may like to consider enrolling in one of the choirs at the Mary Ward centre, or some of the ensemble classes for string.

  • What could it lead to?

    Take Grade 1 Theory Examination ABRSM (next term). Piano, or other instrumental lessons, choir singing, further theoretical studies. please ask for advice.
    There is detailed information in Reception about all our courses at the Mary Ward Centre.

    Information about other learning opportunities can be obtained from Learn Direct: www.learndirect.co.uk and from the following websites: www.floodlight.co.uk; www.hotcourses.com; www.citylit.ac.uk; www.wmcollege.ac.uk; www.morleycollege.ac.uk

Available Courses

Music Theory: Grade 1

A series of modular courses which prepare students for the (optional) ABRSM exam; many of those who take the exam pass with distinction. A complete beginner would start at Grade I and could, with tutor guidance and the support of Kodály musicianship exercises, attain the Grade V qualification within 2 years.

18 September 2023 – 04 December 2023
Monday, 18:00 to 20:00
Course Code:901
£167 / £56
12 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
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Music In Depth: Context And Analysis

A tutor-guided study group of set works from the Western classical music canon with topics/works to be chosen in consultation with the class.

08 May 2024 – 10 July 2024
Wednesday, 15:30 to 17:30
Course Code:951CS
£157 / £55
10 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
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04 October 2023 – 06 December 2023
Wednesday, 15:30 to 17:30
Course Code:949CS
£157 / £55
10 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
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24 January 2024 – 27 March 2024
Wednesday, 15:30 to 17:30
Course Code:950CS
£157 / £55
10 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
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Meet The Tutor

For more information contact arts@marywardcentre.ac.uk at admin@marywardcentre.ac.uk

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