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Music Theory Class

Taught by: Jim Aikin
Class location: Ingram & Brauns Musik Shoppe, 3160 Santa Rita Rd., Pleasanton
Class schedule: Sept. 23 - Dec. 9, 7:15-8:45 PM

The Purpose: Most students, if they practice, get a solid grounding in instrumental technique from their private music teachers. But there's seldom enough time in a weekly lesson to concentrate both on playing the instrument and on understanding why the composer chose the notes in the piece being learned. As a private cello teacher, I know this all too well! At the end of almost every lesson, I find myself wishing I had had more time to provide in-depth background information on music theory and music history.

Even when the teacher is very knowledgeable, all too often students who have been taking lessons for years learn only how to "wiggle their fingers" with great precision. They know the "how" but not the "why." And when a student fails to learn the "how" (how to finger a particular scale, for instance), often it's because the "why" has been neglected.

The upcoming 12-week class on music theory and music appreciation is designed to help young students become better rounded and more knowledgeable as musicians. In this class we will focus on "the other stuff." We'll start with some basic ear training to help students identify intervals. We'll talk about how scales and chords are built from intervals, and how chords relate to melodies. We'll cover key signatures and make sure the students are comfortable with staff reading.

We'll discuss the basics of chord progressions and cadences. As time permits, we'll touch on musical phrasing and musical forms -- the binary form found in so much Baroque music, the ABA form commonly seen in minuet and trio, and so on. Highlights in the history of European classical music will be mentioned. Music appreciation (a brief exposure to recorded examples of the music of various periods in history, and from various parts of the world) will also be part of every class meeting. Students will be encouraged to voice their feelings about the CDs played in class, which will be drawn from a variety of sources ranging from classical opera to Dixieland jazz.

Schedule & Attendance: The fall series of classes will be held over 12 Tuesday evenings, from Sept. 23 through Dec. 9. Classes will begin promptly at 7:15 and end at 8:45. Class size will be limited to no more than 12 students, so that all students can receive individual attention, ask questions, and make progress.

Students who enroll will be expected to attend all 12 classes if possible; the class will not be held back while a student who was absent the previous week gets a personal "catch-up" lesson.

The course is designed for students 10 through 17 years of age. Younger students who have demonstrated a strong aptitude for music may be admitted on a case-by-case basis, but an advance meeting and audition will be required for those under 10. All students must be actively playing an instrument, either through private instruction, in their school music program, or both. No previous knowledge of music theory is required, but the ability to read and understand notes on the treble or bass staff is essential.

The Cost: For students who are concurrently enrolled in private music lessons through Ingram & Brauns, the cost will be $20 per class; for other students, $25 per class. Payment must be made in advance for the entire 12-week session, and there will be no refunds for students who withdraw before the end of the class.

No checks will be deposited until a minimum of nine students have enrolled. If we don't have at least nine students signed up by Sept. 20, the class will be cancelled and your check will be returned. If you want to insure that the class happens, you may want to tell your friends about it!

With apologies, I must reserve the right to expel students who remain disruptive after repeated warnings. There will be no refund if the student is expelled.

Academic Credit: The class is not for school credit. It is not organized through an accredited institution or public school. Its entire purpose is to nurture students' love of and appreciation for music, and to encourage their development as musicians. (But please don't be surprised if students who have taken this class get better grades in their school music courses next year.) No grades will be given in the class, and there will be no tests or exams. However, I may assign some simple weekly homework.

The Teacher: In addition to teaching cello through Ingram & Brauns and through Fine Fretted Friends in Livermore, I'm the author of A Player's Guide to Chords & Harmony (Hal Leonard Books). On cello, I have performed with the Livermore Opera, the Pleasanton Chamber Players, the Pleasanton Playhouse, and various community orchestras in the Bay Area. I'm also well known as an expert in electronic music technology: Over the past 20 years, literally hundreds of articles have appeared under my byline in such magazines as Keyboard, Mix, and Electronic Musician.

Contact: To enroll a student in the class, please phone or email Jim Aikin (925-447-2906, midiguru23@sbcglobal.net).