What We Actually Cover
This isn't about memorizing rules. We break down how music actually works — the patterns, structures, and relationships that let you understand what you're hearing and make informed choices when creating or performing.
Get StartedReal Skills, Step by Step
Each workshop focuses on one specific area. You work through exercises, test your understanding with real examples, and build up practical ability that transfers directly to playing, composing, or analyzing music.
Reading and Notation
Staff notation, clefs, note values, rests. You'll practice reading rhythms and pitches until it becomes automatic. We use actual sheet music excerpts from different genres so you see how notation works in context.
Intervals and Scales
Distance between pitches, major and minor scales, modes. We work through recognition exercises and construction tasks. You'll learn to hear intervals and understand why certain scales produce specific moods.
Chord Construction
Triads, seventh chords, extensions. You learn the formulas, practice building them from any root, and analyze how they function in progressions. We use pop, jazz, and classical examples to show different applications.
Harmonic Progressions
Common chord sequences, functional harmony, voice leading. You'll study how chords connect, why certain progressions sound resolved or tense, and how to anticipate what comes next in a piece.
Rhythm and Meter
Time signatures, subdivision, syncopation, polyrhythms. We use clapping exercises, transcription tasks, and notation practice. You'll develop an internal sense of pulse and learn to read complex rhythmic patterns.
Form and Structure
Song forms, classical structures, sections and transitions. You analyze complete pieces to see how composers organize material, create contrast, and guide the listener through a musical journey.
Ear Training Integration
Connect theory to sound. Every concept includes listening exercises. You'll train your ear to recognize intervals, chords, progressions, and rhythms without looking at notation — building the bridge between knowledge and perception.
Applied Analysis
Take songs you know and break them down. Identify the key, chord functions, melodic motifs, formal sections. See how theory explains the choices that make those tracks effective and memorable.
How the Workshops Work
Each session runs 90 minutes. First half: concept explanation with examples. Second half: guided practice with feedback. You get exercises to complete between sessions — usually 20-30 minutes of work. We review those at the start of the next meeting.
Groups are small, typically 6-8 people. This lets us address individual questions and adjust pacing when needed. You're not just watching — you're working through problems, making mistakes, and figuring things out with guidance.
What You'll Need
Staff paper, pencil, and something to play reference pitches — a keyboard app works fine. If you play an instrument, you'll be able to test concepts on it, but it's not required. Most work happens with notation and listening.
We provide all materials: worksheets, audio examples, reference charts. Everything's accessible online after each session so you can review at your own pace.
Want details on current workshop schedule or have questions about which level fits you?
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