Music Theory Fundamentals

Course Summary

Are you a recent school leaver with dreams of studying music at a higher level? Or an adult learner ready to reignite your passion for music? This music theory course is the perfect starting point.

Designed to bridge the gap between general music knowledge and tertiary study, this course equips you with the core theory skills needed to confidently pursue higher education in diploma or bachelor degree programs, or simply grow your understanding and engagement with this most enjoyable art form.

Build your musical confidence, and take the next step toward your musical future.

Course Content

Each week you’ll explore a new dimention of music theory, gradually building your confidence, your ear and your understanding of how music works.

1. Week 1 Notation & Pitch: build your foundation with the musical staff, clefs, pitch, and interval recognition (both aural and written).
2. Week 2 Rhythm & Major Scales: develop rhythmic fluency through note and rest durations, and learn to construct and identify major scales by ear.
3. Week 3 Triads & Inversions: explore chord identification, notation, and analysis. Train your ear to recognise triads and understand how inversions shape harmony.
4. Week 4 Keys, Scales & Rhythm: work confidently with major scales, key signatures, the Circle of Fifths, scale degrees, and rhythm‑recognition exercises.
5. Week 5 Time Signatures & Transcription: break down simple, compound, and odd time signatures while sharpening your rhythmic transcription skills.
6. Week 6 Seventh Chords & Harmonic Colour: advance your harmonic knowledge with seventh‑chord identification, notation, analysis, aural recognition, and inversions.
7. Week 7 Minor Tonality & Harmonic Function: dive into minor scales, diatonic harmony, Roman numeral analysis, chord‑progression recognition, and cadences.
8. Week 8 Song Analysis & Consolidation: bring everything together through full song analysis, revision, and student‑led exploration to reinforce your learning.