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Music Theory Introduction

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Music Theory Introduction

Michael Gilsinan's picture
Course organiser: Michael Gilsinan
About the Course Organiser: 

 

I am a classically trained guitarist from Mannes College the New School for Music.  At Mannes College, I studied music theory, species counterpoint, schenkerian analysis, ear training, piano and classical guitar. I decided to run this music theory course because I enjoy helping people understand and appreciate music.

 

No of Seats: 
10
Course Status: 
Completed

Members

Tara Severns's picture
Tara
Travis Ingram's picture
Travi
Terene Tharagan's picture
Teren
What is the best way to learn how to read music? Why do we use the harmonic minor scale? What is a minor 3rd or a Perfect 5th?

Summary

Introduction to Music Theory is a beginner level course focusing on the fundamentals of Music Theory.  This course is designed to help facilitate a better understanding of the theory behind the music we play and listen to.  We will analyze various musical excerpts to help better understand how these theories have been applied in the past as well as their relevance today.  Participants will be given a weekly lesson and written assignment.  There will also be listening assignments and one major project.

Schedule/Syllabus

Comments

HiQuestion: Why do you

Heidi Wettlaufer's picture
Heidi Wettlaufer
Fri, 2010-09-17 12:41

Hi
Question: Why do you identify the notes with a do, re, mi, sol, etc? If you start in a different key than c, won't "do, re, mi, etc" be on different notes? I hope I asked this well enough to understand the question.
Thanks for any insight.
Heidi
ps...sorry if this is not the right place to ask questions. I'm learning how to use online course too.

It may be better to post your

Michael Gilsinan's picture
Michael Gilsinan
Sat, 2010-09-18 07:22

It may be better to post your questions with in the actual assignment that your question pertains to. This might help any one else who might have the same question.

Great question.

What you are referring to is difference between "fixed do solfége" and "moveable do solfége". In moveable do, the note "do" changes depending on the key you are in. There are many problems with the moveable do system. One being encountered when you play a song that doesn't stay in one key. It can become quite confusing, especially considering the extra names for raised and lowered notes. Also, there is not always an exact point when a key change occurs so when to switch note names can add to the confusion. Atonality, also presents some problems.

What I have been taught and what most of the conservatories throughout the world use is fixed do. In fixed do, the note C is always "do". The note D, is always "re" etc.. The note C# would still be called "do" but would be sung or played as a C#.

I hope this answers your question. I am going to repost this on the assignment page.