Music Theory for Modern Musicians: 101

Course Outline

Taking place over two consecutive Saturday afternoons, our unique music theory course is designed especially for budding OR experienced musicians, DJs, engineers and producers who wish to develop their knowledge of music theory.

No matter what type of music you write, the underlying fundamentals of the musical language are exactly the same. To progress as a musician, producer, DJ, engineer, or even as a listener, it is essential to develop an understanding of these core concepts. Listening to and studying your genre will of course get you to a certain point, but sometimes this just isn’t enough. To put it simply: coming to grips with these fundamentals will expand your musical vocabulary, extend the depth of your expression, and heighten your appreciation of music.

Unfortunately, music theory education is often associated with an outdated, stuffy and rigid approach that irons the fun out of studying. Another misconception is that learning theory will somehow “stifle natural creativity”. The opposite is true. Our course explains the fundamentals of theory in a format that today’s musicians and producers can relate to, drawing on examples in both modern and traditional music in every genre. Concepts are tackled in the simplest and most accessible way possible, using the MIDI keyboard environment in today’s music production software.

Learning Outcomes

Our course explores the concepts of pitch, key, tone quality, synthesis, notes, scales, intervals, rhythm, tempo, chords, melody and more. You will observe a great improvement in your ability to write and produce your own original music, and also in understanding and appreciating the music you already love!

Dates & Payment

  • Price:
    €150 (Cash, cheque or bank transfer accepted. Students are required to pay a €50 deposit to secure their place on this course, which will then be deducted from their remaining balance.)
  • Dates:
    This course runs over two consecutive Saturday afternoons:
    Saturday 18th October 2014, 12pm – 5pm
    Saturday 25th October 2014, 12pm – 5pm

    SUBSEQUENT DATES TBC

Music Theory for Computer Musicians - PortraitBanner


Course Features

Free Trial: Try out some of our unique student resources now

    • 8 hours of classroom tutoring with a teacher:student ratio of just 1:4
    • Access to our Online Learning Centre. All notes and media for each session are available online, exclusively to our students.
    • Access to our exclusive student Facebook Q&A Group, where you can post your questions and have them answered by our practicing professionals.
    • Weekly downloads including class notes, resources, FX banks and sample packs
    • A 10% discount on our follow-on Ableton Live, Logic Pro or DJ Courses

 

Course Syllabus

Week 1
Sound, music and noise
Pitch
Note names
Amplitude
Tone quality and waveforms
Synthesis
Scales
Intervals
Chords
Week 2
Rhythm, tempo and note values
Meter
Major and minor scales
Melody, motives and themes
Augmented and diminished intervals
Chordal inversions
Keys
More scales



Tutor

Michael Doherty

Michael Doherty Profile Shot

Music Theory Course Instructor

In 2008, Michael graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music with first class honours and became a Sound and Music Shortlisted composer for his concert work. Upon graduating, he became an orchestrator for the Oscar-winning composer Gabriel Yared, honing his talent in screen composition. Since 2011 he has worked as a composer and orchestrator for BBC and Channel 4 productions, including Jeremy Paxman’s “Britain’s Great War” and the third series of “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.” He has also worked as a composer and orchestrator in Spanish cinema since 2010, scoring for films that have won awards at the Berlinale and San Sebastian film festivals.

Michael has had his work performed by several of the world’s leading ensembles including the Bratislava Philharmonic Orchestra, the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet, the Liverpool Philharmonic’s Ensemble 10/10 and the Apollo Saxophone Quartet.

Student Testimonials

“Just completed the Ableton Live course. 10/10 to the lads, couldn’t of asked for more.
Well organized classes, very friendly and helpful, everything well explained and lots of attention to detail. The notes and videos were very effective – nice to be able to have a look back and jog your memory. Great Value for money. Thanks again guys!”
Padraig O’ Callaghan
(Ableton Live Student)

A wonderful, exciting and simple step-by-step introduction into the world of home recording/producing. Loads of fun and worth every cent! Please sir, may I have some more?….
Adam Power
(Ableton Live Student)

“The videos were great – very well punctuated and pragmatic, and the teacher was excellent. Very understanding towards students different learning levels and extremely accommodating/approachable.”
Tracy Tough
(Ableton Live Student)

Apply Now