Music theory: diploma topics 2
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- Start Date: 12 Jan 2026End Date: 23 Mar 2026Mon (Daytime): 13:30 - 15:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 10 sessions (over -11 weeks)Course Code: MG430BTutors: Simon RigbyFull fee £269.00 Senior fee £269.00 Concession £188.00
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What is the course about?
The course follows the second part of the Trinity Associate (AMusTCL) syllabus, which forms part of a Level 4 diploma in music theory through study of Western classical music genres. In this module you will cover “prescribed works,” which focuses on analysis and contextual understanding of set works resulting in an essay-style exam question, or series of sub-questions.
What will we cover?
The prescribed works for 2025-2028 are:
1. Bach: Partita no. 6 in E minor, BWV 830; Henle HN1518
2. Mozart: Cosi fan Tutte, K.588, Act 1 only; Bärenreiter TP314 (NB vocal scores are not suitable)
3. Schubert: Die Schöne Müllerin, op. 25 (high voice/piano); Bärenreiter BA9117
4. Saint-Saëns: Symphony no. 3 (from page 55 to page 176); Dover DP15499 (this edition only)
5. Tippett: A Child of Our Time; Eulenburg ETP8053 (this edition only) (NB vocal scores are not suitable).
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Listen to music actively and analytically
- Be more familiar with and recognise chromatic harmony, modes, and use of selected compositional methods in context.
- Answer essay-style exam questions suitable for an AMusTCL exam
- Have greater fluency in score-reading in a variety of different styles
- Have a greater fluency and understanding of melodic and harmonic composition in selected C20th styles.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is the second part of a sequence:
- September: diploma topics 1 - techniques
- January: diploma topics 2 – set works
- April: diploma topics 3 – exam questions
This course assumes a firm knowledge of music theory to Grade 7 standard. You should also be a confident performer on an instrument to at least grade 6 standard. If in doubt please contact the music office
You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in class discussions and take notes in English.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is an online course you will need a computer or tablet with a webcam, microphone and reliable internet connection to take this class.
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?
You are asked to buy and bring to each session your own copy of scores for the set works in the editions listed above.
You may also be required to buy/borrow books from the AMusTCL reading list to use during this course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The next module (MG430C) in April will consolidate work from both parts of the AMusTCL syllabus through focus on exam-style questions and exam technique.
Related courses include Music theory: counterpoint, Composition, Music theory: grade 8, Sibelius: music notation software. 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.
You may also be interested in one of our wide range of Music history, or practical instrumental, singing and ensemble courses.
Simon Rigby is a freelance composer, arranger, conductor, and organist; he is also a member of academic staff at Greene's College, Oxford, and a Music Tutor at the City Literary Institute, Holborn. For many years a Senior Lecturer at the London College of Music (University of West London), Simon was recently awarded an Honorary Fellowship for his services to the College. His hobbies include studying Latin, making wine, and smoking his pipe! He and his family live in Reading, Berkshire. For more details, please visit: https://bit.ly/Simon-Rigby and https://www.youtube.com/@simon.rigby.musician
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.
