Music Theory
Music Theory is one of the most underrated parts of any music student’s education. Typically viewed as a requirement for intermediate and advanced students (which also allows high school-aged students to achieve a credit towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma), Music Theory is so much more than just “how to write notes and scales.”
At Toronto Music Alliance, we have a very different definition of Music Theory: Everything to do with music up until a note is sounded. By changing our attitude about what it means to study Theory – ironically, very little of which is theoretical, but rather, quite practical! – we can engage students like never before. From learning why scales matter, what we can build and create using them to working with real-world practical examples, our Music Theory program can enhance the practical instrument work while enabling new heights of musical achievement through true understanding and literacy.
We also have a lot of experience preparing students for Royal Conservatory Theory Exams. Our students routinely achieve First Class Honours and Distinction marks on these exams. But more than this, our students actually enjoy learning about how music works. Many players report they are able to learn new pieces 30-50% faster than they did six months prior to beginning their Music Theory lessons.
Like all aspects of music, joy and passion drive students to new levels of progress and performance. Music Theory is an integral part of that growth – one that should definitely not be missed.
Theory Co-Requisites and High School Credits
PRACTICAL
CO-REQUISITE
Grade 5
Preliminary Rudiments
Grade 6
Intermediate Rudiments
Grade 7*
Advanced Rudiments
Grade 8**
Advanced Rudiments
Grade 9
Above, plus Basic Harmony, History 1
Grade 10
Above, plus Intermediate Harmony, History 2
ARCT (Performer’s)
Above, plus Advanced Harmony, History 3, Counterpoint, Analysis
* Average of Practical & Theory Mark for a Grade 11 Credit.
** Average of Practical & Theory Mark for a Grade 12 Credit.