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.
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Course Code: MG430C
Duration: 10 sessions (over 12 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.
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.
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.
