Music theory: diploma topics 3
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: MG430C
Duration: 10 sessions (over 13 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 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.
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?
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
Set works:
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 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 or come to an advice session.
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. We use GOOGLE CLASSROOM to share messages, documents, audio and video files and for you to submit any homework tasks. We use Zoom meetings 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?
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:.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Related courses include Music theory: counterpoint, Composition, Music theory: grade 8, Sibelius: music notation software.
You may also be interested in our wide range of Music history courses. To read our year-long selection of courses, please see the blog post Music history: your guide to the 2019/20 programme 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.
Dr Malcolm Miller is a musicologist and pianist who has published widely on classical music with a focus on Beethoven, Wagner and contemporary music. He has taught at City Lit since 2006, with courses on topics such as Wagner songs and reception, Nocturnes, Emigre Composers, and East meets West, and a survey of the Beethoven Piano Sonatas for the Beethoven 250 Anniversary. Malcolm teaches music theory at Grades 7, 8 and Diploma level (ARBSM and Trinity syllabuses). Malcolm enjoys bringing the fruits of his musicological research to the classroom and concert hall, and has appeared on BBC Radio and in pre-concert talks at the SouthBank Centre. He has several scholarly books in preparation, and has published book chapters and journal articles, as well as entries to the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. He is editor of 'Arietta' (Journal of the Beethoven PIano Society of Europe), and regularly contributes reviews and articles to magazines such as 'Musical Opinion' and 'Music & Vision Daily.' His list of publications and research may be seen online at the Open University where he is Associate Lecturer and Hon. Associate in Music.
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.
