Music theory: counterpoint 3
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- Start Date: 21 Apr 2026End Date: 30 Jun 2026Tue (Evening): 18:00 - 20:00OnlineFull fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £174.00
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What is the course about?
Counterpoint is the art of writing two or more independent melodic lines that combine to create effective music. This course explores the principles of contrapuntal technique, providing students with both an insight into this compositional style and practical skills in composition. The course will combine analysis of scores from a variety of musical periods, and practical exercises which will be reviewed and discussed in class.
Works studied in counterpoint 3:
- Telemann Sonata 1 (3rd movement)
- Bach Goldberg Variations (Aria & selection of canons)
- Bach Orgelbüchlein (“Erschienen ist der herrliche Tag”)
- Bach Fugue in Gm (WTC, BWV 851)
- Mozart Serenade K.388 (Minuet & Trio)
- Mozart Symphony No.41 (IV)
- Brahms Intermezzo Op.188 No.2
- Stravinsky The Dove Descending Breaks the Air
- Webern Op. 27 (IV)
- Bartok 44 Violin Duets, No.33 Aratáskor.
What will we cover?
- Analysis of contrapuntal scores in both tonal and non-tonal styles
- Various types of imitation including canon and fugue
- Identify differences in modal, tonal, and non-tonal styles of counterpoint
- Explore functional and non-functional harmony
- Understand stylistic uses of consonance and dissonance in different style periods
- Practical exercises in developing contrapuntal technique.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Analyse melodic, harmonic and rhythmic aspects of contrapuntal music
- Identify the mechanics of contrapuntal music in different style periods
- Understand stylistic uses of consonance and dissonance
- Apply contrapuntal techniques in practical exercises and own compositions in two or more parts.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Students should have attended the second term of the course or have done some previous study of counterpoint.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is an online course you will need your or tablet with a webcam, microphone and reliable internet connection to take this class. We use GOOGLE CLASSROOM to share messages, documents, audio and video files and for you to submit any homework tasks. We use ZOOM for live classes via webcam.
Your tutor will use a variety of techniques:
- tutor explanation and demonstration via webcam / shared screen
- short revision videos and/or audio files (posted in Google Classroom)
- worksheets (posted in Google Classroom)
- group performing and individual demonstration tasks (e.g. clapping rhythms).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Manuscript paper, notebook, pen, pencil and eraser.
Other materials will be supplied by the tutor.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
- You may be interested in further Music theory courses (all grades are offered) including diploma topics and music analysis.
- For more details about musicianship and music theory please visit our blog: Musicianship and music theory at City lit which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.
Selena began her musical career as a composer, gaining a Dutch Government scholarship to study at the Royal Conservatory, The Hague with Louis Andriessen. As a student she won numerous prizes including BBC Young Composers, resulting in a commission for the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. She has wide musical interests ranging from Renaissance counterpoint and the origins of tonality to twentieth-century composition techniques and electronic music. Selena performs in an experimental electronic music duo KOGG with Cerys Hogg. They create music by sampling vocals, sound objects, and home-made instruments, combining composed and improvised material. They have performed live and are producing an album. Selena has a keen interest in music pedagogy, particularly the social and cognitive benefits of music education, and is a specialist Kodály practitioner. She is also advisor in further education for the British Kodály Academy. Selena holds BMus (Hons), MMus and PGCE degrees, has held positions at Goldsmiths and Middlesex University and currently teaches at City Lit and Morley College.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
