Music Theory and History

Music Theory

These courses are designed for general interest, as well as for preparation for Royal Conservatory exams. They are also designed to meet the theory entrance requirements for the University Transfer Bachelor of Music program offered at Douglas College, as well as other colleges and universities. Exam applications and fees, and costs of materials, such as textbooks and staff paper, are not included.

Please note: Group classes require a minimum of three students. If the registration is below the minimum, students are welcome to register for private or semi-private lessons. A commitment for the full twelve weeks is required for all Music Theory classes.  Please contact the Community Music School at 604-527-5469 for more information.

Preliminary Rudiments

The first of three courses exploring the fundamentals of musical notation. You'll study the diatonic major and minor scales up to and including four sharps and flats, melodic and harmonic intervals up to and including the octave, and the major and minor triads. Other topics include meter, rhythm, transposition, and analysis. Students will gain experience reading both treble and bass clef, as well as become acquainted with many important musical terms and signs.

This class is highly recommended for those who are starting private lessons or who belong to a choir or band.

Intermediate Rudiments 

A continuation of your studies in Preliminary Rudiments, this course looks at the remaining major and minor scales (up to and including seven sharps and flats) and several non-diatonic scales.  Continuing to study intervals and triads, you'll be introduced to the concept of inversion.  Complementing the discussion on analysis, this course also explores more complicated meters and rhythmic patterns.  Finally, you'll write simple cadence formulas in both keyboard and chorale style.

This class, in conjunction with Advanced Rudiments, will prepare you to meet the theory entrance requirements for the Bachelor of Music program at Douglas College and other colleges and universities.

Advanced Rudiments

This course completes your study of the rudiments of music.  You'll acquire a working knowledge of C clefs, complex/hybrid meters, modes, enharmonicism, and chord structures involving sevenths. You'll continue your study of cadence, learning to write more complex cadential formulas, again in both keyboard and chorale style. You'll be introduced to the idea of transposition and transposing instruments, and finally, your study of analysis will introduce you to various score types, including modern vocal and string quartet.

This class will prepare students to meet the theory entrance requirements for the University Transfer Bachelor of Music program at Douglas College and other colleges and universities.

Harmony I - Basic, Harmony II - Intermediate, Harmony III - Advanced

A thorough knowledge of rudiments is required. This class includes analysis and writing of four-part harmony, melody writing and the study of musical form.

Theory for Kids

A recent addition to the curriculum, this course is designed specifically for young students interested in learning the fundamentals of music yet who dread or have no interest in taking conservatory theory exams. The goal is to introduce students to a variety of concepts such as scale, key, harmony, rhythm, meter and form; develop their musical understanding and improve their ability to read musical scores, while cultivating a stress-free, fun, and supportive classroom environment.

Once weekly.  Call for date and time details.
Ages: 8-13 yrs.

Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations

The RCM examination dates are listed here: http://www.rcmexaminations.org/