Further Music Theory



Overview

This is a practical course for those interested in gaining knowledge and understanding of classical harmony.

An understanding of the fundamentals of classical harmony is essential for a full appreciation of the music of that period. It also develops skills and understanding that provide a firm foundation for more creative work in music.

The course will cover the basics of harmony by taking the students through a series of straightforward, structured exercises. These exercises are designed to emphasise the craftsmanship of harmony and to relate to actual classical practice.

The course follows on from: 'Exploring Basic Music Theory' but it is not necessary to have taken that course to participate fully in this one!

The course is designed to welcome beginners, although basic musical literacy is necessary for full participation. Previous experience in playing an instrument or singing is an advantage but is not an essential requirement.

Programme details

Course starts: 20 January 2025

Week 1: Connecting chords in Root Position.

Week 2: First inversion chords.

Week 3: Second inversion chords.

Week 4: All kinds of seventh chords.

Week 5: The minor mode I

Week 6: The minor mode II

Week 7: The minor mode III

Week 8: Chords with no notes in common, alternative treatment of dissonance.

Week 9: Modulation I

Week 10: Modulation II and suspensions.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £285.00
Take this course for CATS points £30.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Peter Copley

Peter Copley D.Phil, MA, B.mus is a composer, cellist and pianist. He is a visiting lecturer at OUDCE, the University of Sussex and for the Open University, where he has been a Research Associate for the music faculty.

Course aims

To encourage an understanding of harmony in the classical tradition and, in particular, to place harmonic conventions in the context of the evolution of musical style.

Course objectives:

  • By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of basic classical harmony and its varied applications in Western Art Music.

Teaching methods

This course will consist of a pre-recorded one hour lecture for each week. A step-by-step working of examples will be covered in the online 'live' session where the students will also have a chance to ask any questions arising from the pre-recorded lecture.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be expected to:

  • create four part progressions in major and minor keys, using chords in root position, first and second inversion and seventh chords;
  • harmonise simple diatonic melodies using any of the above chords, where appropriate;
  • have some understanding of the nature of consonance and dissonance in the classical tradition;
  • have some understanding of the techniques and function of modulation;
  • relate all of the above to music in the classical repertoire.

Assessment methods

At the end of the course, students will submit a portfolio of completed exercises set during the term.

Coursework is an integral part of all weekly classes and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework in order to benefit fully from the course. Only those who have registered for credit will be awarded CATS points for completing work the required standard.

Students must submit a completed Declaration of Authorship form at the end of term when submitting your final piece of work. CATS points cannot be awarded without the aforementioned form - Declaration of Authorship form

Application

We will close for enrolments 14 days prior to the start date to allow us to complete the course set up. We will email you at that time (14 days before the course begins) with further information and joining instructions. As always, students will want to check spam and junk folders during this period to ensure that these emails are received.

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment Form (Word) or Enrolment Form (Pdf)

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, i.e. first year undergraduate level, and you will be expected to engage in a significant amount of private study in preparation for the classes. This may take the form, for instance, of reading and analysing set texts, responding to questions or tasks, or preparing work to present in class.

Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS)

To earn credit (CATS points) you will need to register and pay an additional £30 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. Students who register for CATS points will receive a Record of CATS points on successful completion of their course assessment.

Students who do not register for CATS points during the enrolment process can either register for CATS points prior to the start of their course or retrospectively from the January 1st after the current full academic year has been completed. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

 

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support