Music theory: diploma topics 2
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
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Course Code: MG430B
Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
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.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
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...
- 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.
I have spent my professional career balancing performing as a concert pianist with teaching academic music courses. I was formerly a lecturer at the Royal College of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire, but have found that I enjoy teaching non-professionals far more, so a great deal of my work over the last three years has been with adult amateurs and the general public. Born to Indian parents (the name is a long story, but I and my forbears are Indian as far as records go back!), I now also spend a few months each year in India working with teachers and advanced students with the aim, ultimately, of opening India's first conservatoire. My research work has largely been in the area of 19th and 20th century performing practice, although for the last three years I have been investigating approaches to performance creativity, first at New College, Oxford, and now at Hughes Hall, Cambridge. In my spare time you may occasionally me performing as a founder member of the prog rock band, The Connoisseur.
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.
