What is music theory?

To quote Wikipedia, "Music theory is the study of how music works." In its most elementary stages, music theory is learning to read notes on the staff and identifying basic pitch direction - low vs. high, notes that go up, down, or stay the same. From there, students progress to understanding intervals (the distance between notes), to chords, key signatures, scales, modes, melody, harmony, rhythm, and chord progressions. Each of these skills can be studied in both written and aural contexts. Ultimately, music theory incorporates all aspects of music composition, harmonization, and improvisation.

CMS offers two ways to learn Music Theory:

Music Theory Independent Study (MTIS)
an online theory course for students ages 6 to adult

Fall 2012: August 20 - December 3

Tuition: $50

The beauty of this course is flexibility!! Students can choose to do theory work any time of day, at their own convenience. Upon registering for the course, students will gain access to online websites consisting of hundreds of music theory exercises and games of all levels, including MusicLearningCommunity.com. (feel free to take a sneak peek!!). Students can access the websites from any computer with internet access and sound capabilities, at any time - day or night (with their parent's approval, of course!). As students play the games, their scores are recorded and monitored by the CMS Theory Administrator, Ashley Floyd. While much of the instruction is done directly through the technology, students will also receive email assignments and suggestions for improvement from Mr. Floyd.

The pace of the course is completely individual. There are no end-of-semester tests, no skill set required to accomplish within any semester. Because the course is completely independent, students who want to play multiple times a week will most likely progress quickly through the levels, while those who only play once or twice a week will progress slower.

Beginning Music Theory

For students who would prefer to attend a weekly class with a live teacher. This course is designed for students of all ages and abilities and is not instrument-specific. Students will learn basic music theory skills such as note-reading, rhythm, intervals, scales, key signatures, and musical terms in a weekly class setting. Ages 13 - Adult.

Please contact the CMS office for further details if you are interested in participating.

An added perk for young students studying theory:

Each semester, the Georgia Music Teacher's Association holds state-wide theory tests at the local level - here in Athens, usually at UGA!!! Prepared students enrolled in either theory course will be invited to participate in the exams, however, participating is not required. Within the month before the Theory Exam, 2 review classes will be scheduled, where students will get to ask any questions they may have about the material, and take actual tests from past years as practice. There will be a nominal fee for participation in the review classes, which will also be open to non-CMS students.

 

Questions? Please contact the CMS office at ugacms@uga.edu, or 706-542-2894 for additional details.