Music theory: score reading and analysis level 6

What is the course about?

This is a one-day course with a schedule as follows:
- Session 01 (11.00-13.00)
- Lunch break (13.00-14.00)
- Session 02 (14.00-16.30)

Through study of musical scores (and to a lesser extent, sound recordings), develop your understanding of harmony, counterpoint, form, and interpretation in relation to Bach: Partita no. 6 in E minor, BWV 830S. Ideal for students interested in studying for higher music theory exams since this Partita is on the 2025-2028 Trinity Associate (AMusTCL) syllabus.

This course is suitable for students with confident Grade-6 level music-theory skills; it will also explore harmonic material from the grade 7 and 8 and Diploma music theory syllabuses, referring to diatonic harmony in chord symbols, figured bass (eg. Chord ii, 6/5 in F major), intervals (e.g. major seventh), and basic species counterpoint, as well as phrasing, mood and texture.

What will we cover?

- A brief introduction to the historical context for this composer and this work
- Rhythmic and melodic characteristics
- Understanding musical textures e.g. .homophonic, fugal
- Understanding tonality in the context of this work contexts: especially in terms of chord progressions and cadences
- Formal analysis eg. how many movements, repeated sections etc
- Ornamentation and performance practice.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Understand the structure of this set work
- Have more confidence differentiating the different elements of music (rhythm, phrasing, tonality, dynamics, etc.)
- Have a broader understanding of keyboard scores of the mid-late baroque period
- Have greater confidence with some harmonic terminology appropriate to ABRSM grade 7+ theory syllabuses.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Suitable for those with confident knowledge of music theory at around Grade 6 standard or higher. You must be able to read staff music fluently (treble and bass clef) and have confidence with the structure of major and minor scales and chords (e.g. do you know what is meant by chord Vc in G major? And can you recognise a passing 6-4?).

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught through tutor explanation, listening to recordings, studying and annotating scores, and class discussion.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

All scores will be sourced from IMSLP.org and links will be posted on google classroom a week in advance for you to download your own copies. There will also be class handouts/notes provided in google classroom.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

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.

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.