Description
Music Theory Course Overview
This live online music theory class is designed for middle school and high school homeschool students who want to understand how music works. Families can explore all of our homeschool art and music courses.
Students learn to read, analyze, and understand music while developing practical skills that support instrumental performance, singing, composition, and musical creativity.
The course introduces foundational through early intermediate music theory concepts and is appropriate for students who play an instrument, sing, or simply have a strong interest in music.
Course Overview
- Format: Live online homeschool music theory class
- Recommended Grade Level: Grades 9–12
- Fall Semester: Music Theory I
- Spring Semester: Music Theory II
- Prerequisites: None for Music Theory I
Fall Semester – Music Theory I
Music Theory I introduces the building blocks of music and helps students understand how written music translates into sound.
Topics include rhythm, note reading on the staff, scales, intervals, chords and chord construction, dynamics, articulation, and simple lead sheets.
Students also explore basic composition concepts and create short musical ideas using the principles they learn. Along the way, students gain insight into music history and are introduced to influential classical composers.
Access to a keyboard (piano or digital keyboard) is required for this class.
Spring Semester – Music Theory II
Music Theory II continues the concepts introduced in Music Theory I and expands students’ understanding of musical structure.
This course is designed for students who have completed the first course or who already have at least one year of music theory experience.
Students explore harmonization, chord progressions, musical analysis, and additional composition exercises across a variety of musical styles.
Both courses are open to instrumentalists, vocalists, and students with a general interest in music. The goal is to strengthen musical understanding, confidence, and creativity.
I wanted to thank you also for teaching this class. My child didn’t just love it: it has changed his life. He’s always had musical interest and ability, and I’m fairly musical myself, but I never took a theory class and didn’t have the slightest idea what to do besides make sure he learned to play the piano.
But then I saw this class being offered [formerly at Big River] and signed him up for it (against his wishes, I might add!). He ended up LOVING the first semester and asking to sign up for the second one. Seeing him sit down to compose on Noteflight just for fun is wonderful.
Thank you for sharing your love of music and your gift for music through teaching this class. I am so grateful for all you’ve done for him.
Recommended Grade Level
- Grades 9–12
Prerequisites
- No prerequisite is required for Music Theory I.
- Music Theory II requires completion of Music Theory I or at least one year of prior music theory study. A short placement test may be used to determine readiness.
Curriculum
- Music Theory I: Alfred’s Complete Essentials of Music Theory
- Music Theory II: Alfred’s Complete Essentials of Music Theory – Advanced Theory (TBD)
Course Topics
- Reading music on the grand staff
- Rhythm and time signatures
- Articulation and dynamics
- Scales and key signatures
- Intervals and chord construction
- Lead sheets and chord symbols
- Improvisation and musical creativity
- Basic composition
- Music Theory II topics including harmonization and chord progressions
Estimated Workload
- Workload varies depending on the student’s experience level and practice time
Please contact the instructor if you have questions about readiness for this course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a music theory class for homeschool students?
Yes. This course is designed specifically for homeschool high school students.
Do students need to play an instrument?
No. While many students play instruments or sing, the course is also appropriate for students who are simply interested in understanding music.
Does the class require a piano or keyboard?
Yes. Students need access to a piano or digital keyboard in order to practice theory concepts during the course.
Can students start with Music Theory II?
Students may enroll in Music Theory II if they have already completed Music Theory I or have at least one year of prior theory experience.
