Theory

Group Theory and Music History Classes are offered in preparation for RCM examinations. Each class has a maximum of 5 students and provides a fun and supportive learning environment with individual attention. Early registration is recommended.

Fees: Students should register for both semesters of 18 weeks each. Students who are not currently enrolled at the North Shore Music Academy must also pay a $25 administrative fee.

Basic Rudiments (level 3 to 5)
Basic elements of music notation, pitch, rhythm, scale writing, chords, harmony, melody, composition, analysis, intervals and musical terms. Recommended for students in practical Grades 3 to 5 RCM.

Intermediate Rudiments (level 6)
Continuation of Basic Rudiments plus additional work in form, analysis, chords, rhythm, scale writing, intervals, cadences and musical terms. Recommended for students in practical Grade 6 RCM.

Advanced Rudiments (level 7 to 8)
Continuation of Intermediate Rudiments plus additional work in rhythm, alto & tenor clefs, transposition, chords, cadences, score writing, melody writing and musical terms. Recommended for students in practical Grades 7 and 8 RCM.

45 minute Group Rudiments lessons – Fall Semester $396
45 minute Group Rudiments lessons – Spring Semester $396

Basic Harmony (Level 9)
Course will cover diatonic triads, chord symbols, melodic writing and two-part texture, four-part harmony and analysis. Recommended as a co-requisite for Grade 9 practical exams. Recommended prerequisite: Advanced Rudiments. Fundamentals of four-part writing, melodic composition, harmonic and structural analysis. Required as co-requisite for Grade 9 RCM certificate. Recommended prerequisite: Advanced Rudiments.

Intermediate Harmony and Counterpoint (Level 10)
Continuation of Basic Harmony with additional with additional study of 2-part counterpoint, melody writing, harmonization, harmonic analysis and structural analysis. Required as co-requisite for Grade 10 RCM certificate. Recommended prerequisites: Advanced Rudiments and Basic Harmony.

Advanced Harmony and Counterpoint (Level ARCT)
Continuation of Intermediate Harmony with additional study of 2-part counterpoint, modulation, harmonization and chromatic harmony. Application of material studied in Intermediate Harmony and Baroque style contrapuntal writing. Recommended prerequisites: Advanced Rudiments and Intermediate Harmony. Required as co-requisite for ARCT Diploma. Recommended prerequisites: Advanced Rudiments and Intermediate Harmony.

History 1 (Level 9)
An overview of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras, and the 20th Century. Required as co-requisite for Grade 9 RCM certificate.

History 2 (Level 10)
Detailed study of musical genres and forms of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical eras. Required as co-requisite for Grade 10 RCM certificate.

History 3 (Level ARCT)
Detailed study of musical genres and forms of the 19th and 20th centuries including Canadian Music. Required as co-requisite for ARCT Diploma

Analysis (Level ARCT)
Harmonic and structural analysis of fugues, Classical and Romantic forms, art song and post-1900 works. Recommended prerequisites: Counterpoint and Advanced Harmony. Required as co-requisite for ARCT Diploma.

45 minute group lessons, Grades 3 to 5 – Fall Semester $396
45 minute group lessons, Grades 3 to 5 – Spring Semester $396

Private Theory and History Lessons in preparation for RCM examinations are available. Individual lessons can be arranged with the instructor.