Music Theory 101

Course Feature
  • Cost
    Free
  • Provider
    Edx
  • Certificate
    No Information
  • Language
    English
  • Start Date
    24th Aug, 2017
  • Learners
    No Information
  • Duration
    4.00
  • Instructor
    /
Next Course
2.0
453 Ratings
This six-week online course, developed by Juilliard faculty member Dr. Steven Laitz, provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of classical music theory. Through engaging and straightforward lessons, students will learn the basics of music notation, scales, chords, and more. With Music Theory 101, students will gain a better understanding of the structure and language of music.
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Course Overview

❗The content presented here is sourced directly from Edx platform. For comprehensive course details, including enrollment information, simply click on the 'Go to class' link on our website.

Updated in [March 06th, 2023]

Music Theory 101 is an online course designed to teach the fundamentals of music theory from a classical music perspective. Developed by Juilliard faculty member Dr. Steven Laitz, this course is perfect for those looking to become better players and more confident writers for any musical genre.

In six weeks, students will learn the basics of reading sheet music, including pitch, rhythm, and key signatures. They will explore rhythm and pitch, major and minor keys, and how they combine to create a melody. Finally, they will expand their knowledge and learn to write a simple melody of their own.

The course is divided into six modules, each focusing on a different aspect of music theory. In the first module, students will learn the basics of reading sheet music, including pitch, rhythm, and key signatures. In the second module, they will explore rhythm and pitch, major and minor keys, and how they combine to create a melody. In the third module, they will learn about intervals, chords, and scales. In the fourth module, they will learn about harmonic progressions and cadences. In the fifth module, they will learn about form and texture. Finally, in the sixth module, they will learn to write a simple melody of their own.

Throughout the course, students will have access to a variety of resources, including video lectures, quizzes, and practice exercises. They will also have the opportunity to interact with their peers and instructors in the course's discussion forums.

At the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of music theory and the ability to write a simple melody of their own. They will also have the confidence to apply their newfound knowledge to any musical genre.

Music Theory 101 is the perfect course for those looking to become better players and more confident writers for any musical genre. With the help of Juilliard faculty member Dr. Steven Laitz, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful musician.

[Applications]
Upon completion of Music Theory 101, students will have a better understanding of the fundamentals of music theory and be able to apply this knowledge to their own musical compositions. They will be able to read sheet music with greater ease and confidence, and be able to create their own melodies with a greater understanding of rhythm and pitch. Additionally, they will be able to apply their knowledge to any musical genre, from classical to rock to electronic music.

[Career Paths]
1. Music Composer: Music composers create original music for a variety of mediums, such as film, television, video games, and live performances. They must have a strong understanding of music theory and composition techniques in order to create effective and engaging music. Developing trends in this field include the use of technology to create and manipulate music, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to generate music.

2. Music Producer: Music producers are responsible for overseeing the production of music recordings. They must have a strong understanding of music theory and production techniques in order to create high-quality recordings. Developing trends in this field include the use of digital audio workstations to create and manipulate music, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to generate music.

3. Music Educator: Music educators are responsible for teaching music theory and composition to students of all ages. They must have a strong understanding of music theory and pedagogical techniques in order to effectively teach their students. Developing trends in this field include the use of technology to teach music theory and composition, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to generate music.

4. Music Therapist: Music therapists use music to help people with physical, emotional, and mental health issues. They must have a strong understanding of music theory and therapeutic techniques in order to effectively use music to help their clients. Developing trends in this field include the use of technology to create and manipulate music, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to generate music.

[Education Paths]
1. Bachelor of Music: A Bachelor of Music degree is a great way to gain a comprehensive understanding of music theory and its application to various musical genres. This degree typically includes courses in music history, composition, theory, and performance. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of music, such as jazz, classical, or popular music. As technology continues to evolve, many universities are now offering online Bachelor of Music degrees, allowing students to pursue their studies from anywhere in the world.

2. Master of Music: A Master of Music degree is a great way to further develop your knowledge and skills in music theory and composition. This degree typically includes courses in music history, theory, composition, and performance. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of music, such as jazz, classical, or popular music. As technology continues to evolve, many universities are now offering online Master of Music degrees, allowing students to pursue their studies from anywhere in the world.

3. Doctor of Musical Arts: A Doctor of Musical Arts degree is the highest level of music education available. This degree typically includes courses in music history, theory, composition, and performance. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of music, such as jazz, classical, or popular music. As technology continues to evolve, many universities are now offering online Doctor of Musical Arts degrees, allowing students to pursue their studies from anywhere in the world.

4. Music Technology: Music technology is an increasingly popular field of study, as technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into the music industry. This degree typically includes courses in music production, sound engineering, music theory, and composition. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of music technology, such as audio engineering, music production, or music software development. As technology continues to evolve, many universities are now offering online music technology degrees, allowing students to pursue their studies from anywhere in the world.

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