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Music Theory: A Taster

3 hours

Music notes on a plate

Have you ever wondered if you could understand more about how music works? This workshop allows you to dip your toe into the water of music theory, and discover the craft behind the magic of music. We will explore the basics of music’s inner workings, and discuss where to go next if you would like to learn more. No prior musical knowledge is required.

Contact Susan to register your interest in this course.

Course Content

  • The Western Tonal System
  • The elements of music
  • Dynamics: loud and soft, light and shade
  • Tone colour (or timbre)
  • Form and structure in music
  • Texture: use of layers
  • Rhythm: an introduction
  • Tempos and time signatures
  • Understanding pitch
  • Naming notes
  • Melody
  • Scale and key
  • Major and minor keys
  • The Cycle of Fifths
  • Key changes (modulations)
  • Harmony: Chords and progressions
  • Listening more with the elements of music

Comments

“Excellent. This was a very well-prepared and well-presented course. Very good use was made of technology and Susan’s excellent musical training”

“Susan’s teaching methods are very good in her use of musical examples of the theory both recorded and on the piano. She has the skill and innate ability to understand when a student grasps a concept. To complete the learning experience Susan makes her courses enjoyable”

“Susan’s knowledge, obvious love of music and her warm and helpful style were very much appreciated. Thank you for helping to unravel what was previously a complete mystery to me!”

About Susan Deas

Susan Deas is a professional musician, lecturer and teacher. She has been teaching piano for over twenty years, and her students learn both classical and contemporary styles, including playing by ear and improvisation. Susan also gives professional development workshops and lessons to private music teachers. She performs professionally as a pianist and organist, and lectures in music theory and music appreciation for Sydney University’s Centre for Continuing Education. Susan’s training includes a Bachelor of Music with a major in Performance (Piano) and Musicology, a Master of Music Studies (Studio Pedagogy), a Bachelor of Arts (Communications), and an A.Mus.A in Musicianship. Susan is an Accredited Member of the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW.

More about Susan’s qualifications

Read what people have said about Susan’s other courses

Susan’s other music courses

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