In brief

This course will give you an in-depth understanding of music theory and help you develop your musical ear. We cover essential elements such as keys, intervals, chords and harmony. You will also learn how these concepts are applied in practice, such as in the musical pieces you play yourself.

There is also a strong focus on ear training (solfège). This includes recognizing scales and time signatures, singing melodies and noting rhythms by ear. Critical listening, composing your own melodies, and creative use of music are central to this course.

Program

During classes, music theory and solfège/hearing training are worked on in parallel:

Music Theory

• Structure of major and minor scales
• Signs and the circle of fifths
• Recognizing and building intervals
• Triads and basic harmony
• Structure and basic analysis of musical pieces

Hearing training/Solfège

• Recognizing major and minor tones
• Singing melodies and rhythms (Solfège)
• Developing tonal understanding
• Notation of melodies and rhythms (Dictée)
• Recognizing intervals and triads
• Composing and analyzing your own melodies

Classes are interactive and include lots of individual guidance, group assignments and customized exercises to support your learning.

Target

The course is designed for anyone wishing to deepen musical knowledge, and is open to students ages 9 and up (exceptionally 8). Some experience reading notes in the violin or bass clef is required.

Lesson duration and number of lessons

• Lesson duration: 45 minutes per lesson
• Number of lessons: 30 lessons per year
• Homework* Yes, approximately 30 minutes per week

Teaching Materials

Lesson materials will be handed out during class. Provide a notebook and a folder to keep your notes and exercises. The following book will be used as a supplement:

• *Trapping & Jumping Vol.1* - Gerard Blok
  [Available through Broekmans & Van Poppel]

Working Form

The course consists of music theory for 40% and ear training and solfège for 60%. Many interactive exercises are used, both individually and in groups. Each student's progress is closely monitored, and customized exercises are offered to suit the individual needs of each participant.

Result

After taking this course:

• Have a deeper understanding of music theory, such as keys, intervals and chords.
• Have developed your musical hearing, allowing you to recognize scales, melodies and rhythms.
• Can compose and analyze melodies independently.
• Are you better able to actively listen to and appreciate music.

About the teacher

Since 2016, the teacher has been teaching theory and solfège lessons at various music schools in the Netherlands. In addition to his passion for music, improvisation is a core part of his teaching method. The teacher uses this to convey music theory in a playful and practical way, allowing a student to learn to understand and experience music in a whole new way.

Enroll in the course today and discover a deeper world of music at Platform C!