Music theory: diploma topics 3
Why do I need an advice session
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 20 Apr 2026End Date: 06 Jul 2026Mon (Daytime): 13:30 - 15:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 10 sessions (over -12 weeks)Course Code: MG430CTutors: Simon RigbyFull fee £269.00 Senior fee £269.00 Concession £188.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The course surveys topics from the entire trajectory of the Trinity Associate (AMusTCL) syllabus, which is a Level 4 diploma in music theory, through study of Western classical music genres. In this particular module we will revise and consolidate topics from both “Musical skills” including harmony, counterpoint, orchestration and melodic composition and “prescribed works” analysis and contextual understanding of set works resulting in an essay-style exam question, or series of sub-questions.
If you are new to this course, and did not study Music theory: diploma topics 1 or 2 in previous terms, please contact the music office (music@citylit.ac.uk) so we can let you know which topics from the syllabus have been studied in depth.
What will we cover?
Exam-style practice questions and further study of the topics selected from this list:
- classical and early romantic string quartets (Musical skills)
- Analysis of works to suggest period and likely date of composition
- Harmonising a theme and variations
- Arranging (reduction and orchestration)
- Elements of music (tonality, harmony, melody, rhythm)
- History of style through case studies.
The prescribed works for 2021–2024 are:
1. Monteverdi: L’Orfeo, Acts 1–3; Eulenburg ETP8025 (NB vocal scores are not suitable)
2. Handel: Water Music; Eulenburg ETP1308
3. Beethoven: Piano Trio in Bb major, op. 97, Archduke; Eulenburg ETP79
4. Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Act 2; Dover 0486438368
5. Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; Boosey & Hawkes M060105357 / Henle HN7001.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Feel confident answering two questions from section A and B of the AMusTCL syllabus
- Develop and consolidate your pre-existing knowledge of topics from the AMusTCL syllabus
- Listen to music actively and analytically
- Answer essay-style exam questions suitable for an AMusTCL exam
- Have greater fluency in score-reading in a variety of different styles.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is the last 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 7/8 standard. You should also be a confident performer on an instrument to about grade 6 standard.
The course assumes some knowledge of the techniques and set works listed in the AMusTCL syllabus. The aim of this course is to help you develop exam-ready fluency in these topics rather than to learn them from scratch. You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in class discussions and take notes in English.
Please note: this course will help to prepare you for an AMusTCL exam but does not include the exam fee. Candidates must enter for this exam externally if they wish to obtain a formal qualification.
If in doubt please contact the music office
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the 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?
Please bring a notebook and pen, manuscript paper and materials from the AMusTCL reading list which you may need for reference.
You are also required to source your own copies of the scores of the set works (see list above).
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Related courses include Music theory: counterpoint, Music theory: grade 8
You may also be interested in one of our wide range of Practical musicianship, Music history or practical instrumental, singing and ensemble courses
To find out more about music history classes Music history courses in London and online which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.
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.
