Music Theory Comprehensive Complete: Parts 16, 17, & 18 from Udemy

Welcome to the

This course is "5-Star Certified" by the International Association of Online Music Educators and Institutions (IAOMEI). This course has been independently reviewed by a panel of experts and has received a stellar 5-star rating.

This is a class designed for the average person who is ready to take their music career (or music interest) and level up. Whether you are an active musician, an aspiring musician, or an aspiring music manager or agent - this class is perfect for you.

For years I've been teaching Music Theory in the college classroom. These classes I'm making for Udemy use the same syllabus I've used in my college classes for years, at a fraction of the cost. I believe anyone can learn Music Theory - and cost shouldn't be a barrier.

My approach to music theory is to minimize memorization. Most of these concepts you can learn by just understanding why chords behave in certain ways. Once you understand those concepts, you can find any scale, key, or chord that exists. Even invent your own. If you've tried to learn music theory before, or if you are just starting out - this series of courses is the perfect fit.

Dr. Allen is a professional musician, top-rated Udemy instructor, and university professor. In 2017 the Star Tribune featured him as a "Mover and a Shaker," and he is recognized by the Grammy Foundation for his music education classes.

Throughout this class, If you get stuck, you can review the videos or post a question, and I'll back to it as fast as possible.

This class is a combined class and includes all parts 16, 17, and 18.

100% Answer Rate. Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

In this class, we will cover:

Chromatic Sequences
The Lament Bass (The saddest music in the world)
Common-Tone Diminished 7th Chords
Chromatic Mediants
Common-Tone Modulations
Chromatic Inflection Modulation
Descending Fifth Modulation
Enharmonic Diminished 7th Chord Modulation
Voice-Leading Chords
A Return to Modes
Pentatonic Scales
Whole-Tone Scales
Octatonic Scales
Linear Analysis
Integer Notation
Pitch Class Sets
Set Operations
...and much, much more.

You will not have another opportunity to learn Music Theory in a more comprehensive way than this.

All the tools you need to successfully learn Music Theory is included in this course and the entire course is based on real-life experiences - not just academic theory.

Please click the "Take This Course" button so you can launch your music career today.

Test Prep:

This course is perfect for prep for the Praxis II Test (ETS Praxis Music), The ABRSM Music Theory Exam (up to Grade 8), AP Music Theory Exam, College Placement Exams (Music Theory), and other common secondary and post-secondary placement exams.

I guarantee that this course is the most thorough music theory course available ANYWHERE on the market - or your money back (30-day money-back guarantee, as per Udemy Policy)

Closed captions have been added to all lessons in this course.

Praise for Courses by Jason Allen:

⇢ "It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to get absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier." - M. Shah

⇢ "Great for everyone without any knowledge so far. I bought all three parts... It's the best investment in leveling up my skills so far.." - Z. Palce

⇢ "Excellent explanations. No more or less than what is needed." - A. Tóth

⇢ "VERY COOL. I've waited for years to see a good video course, now I don't have to wait anymore. Thank You. " - Jeffrey Koury

⇢ "I am learning LOTS. And I really like having the worksheets. " - A. Deichsel

⇢ "The basics explained very clearly - loads of really useful tips. " - J. Pook

⇢ "Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class. " M. Smith

What's inside

Learning objectives

Master college-level music theory class
Compose music in the style of the great composers
Create more emotional music using suspensions, resolutions, and non-chord tones effectively
Pitches and pitch classes

20th century music theory
Set theory
Serialism (introduction to)
Integer notation

Master college-level music theory class
Compose music in the style of the great composers
Create more emotional music using suspensions, resolutions, and non-chord tones effectively
Pitches and pitch classes
20th century music theory
Set theory
Serialism (introduction to)
Integer notation

Syllabus

Introduction

Part 16: Introduction

Tools You Will Need

Staff Paper Download

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers chromatic sequences, lament bass, and common-tone diminished 7th chords, which are advanced techniques used in composition and arrangement

Explores 20th-century music theory, set theory, and serialism, providing a foundation for understanding modern and contemporary music

Prepares learners for Praxis II Test (ETS Praxis Music), ABRSM Music Theory Exam (up to Grade 8), and AP Music Theory Exam, which are useful for academic advancement

Examines voice-leading chords, linear chromaticism, and ambiguous modulations, which are essential for sophisticated harmonic movement

Includes analysis of pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin, offering insights into the application of music theory by master composers

Requires familiarity with parts 1-15, which may pose a barrier to entry for learners who are new to music theory or the instructor's approach

Reviews summary

Advanced music theory: chromaticism & 20th century

According to learners, this course offers exceptionally comprehensive coverage of advanced music theory topics, including chromaticism, advanced modulation techniques, and an introduction to 20th-century concepts like set theory and pitch class sets. Students highly praise Dr. Allen's teaching style, finding he effectively breaks down complex subjects and emphasizes understanding the 'why' behind musical concepts. While the course is seen as incredibly rewarding for serious students, a recurring note is that it is definitely not for beginners and requires significant prior knowledge, ideally from earlier parts of the series. Some reviewers also found certain advanced sections dense or fast-paced.

Practical examples aid understanding.

"The examples from classical and even pop music were great for illustration."

"The provided materials like the MuseScore files are invaluable for seeing the concepts in action."

"The practical examples and emphasis on understanding rather than memorizing makes this far superior..."

"Dr. Allen's use of musical examples (classical and pop) is effective."

Covers advanced topics thoroughly.

"Parts 16-18 cover some really tricky ground like chromatic mediants and enharmonic modulation."

"As always, the content is top-notch, covering everything from chromatic sequences to pitch class sets and linear analysis."

"The leap into 20th-century concepts is handled well, providing a solid introduction to things like pitch class sets."

"I appreciate the inclusion of 20th-century techniques like Set Theory and Integer Notation, which aren't usually in standard theory courses."

"This is the perfect course for anyone wanting to understand the more complex and later-period concepts of music theory."

Dr. Allen excels at explaining complex theory.

"Dr. Allen breaks down complex topics into very clear and concise lessons."

"His explanations of chromatic sequences and modulations were particularly helpful."

"Dr. Allen's teaching style is superb. He makes topics like Common-Tone Diminished 7th Chords and Chromatic Inflection understandable."

"Dr. Allen excels at explaining the 'why'. Topics like Enharmonic Diminished 7th Chord Modulation and Chromatic Inflection Modulation are demystified."

"The explanation of Voice-Leading Chords and Linear Analysis was particularly insightful."

Some sections feel dense or move quickly.

"Sometimes the pace felt a little fast, especially when introducing new complex notation like Integer Notation."

"I found the explanation of set operations and linear analysis quite dense."

"It felt like I needed more examples or perhaps slower pacing in certain sections."

"Specifically, the 20th-century modules were very theoretical without enough concrete musical examples..."

"the delivery in these latter sections felt less engaging than before... It felt a bit rushed."

Not suitable for beginners; build on foundation.

"I had taken earlier parts of this series, which definitely helped, as this part dives deep into advanced concepts..."

"Overall, valuable for advanced students, but definitely not for beginners."

"The reliance on prior parts is also very strong; this isn't a standalone course you can jump into easily."

"Highly technical, requires dedication and prior background, but incredibly rewarding."

"This course builds heavily on previous parts, so definitely start from the beginning of the series if you haven't already."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Music Theory Comprehensive Complete: Parts 16, 17, & 18 with these activities:

Review Diatonic Harmony

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Reinforce your understanding of diatonic harmony, which is essential for grasping the chromatic concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Harmony

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Review the definitions of diatonic chords.
Analyze simple chord progressions in major and minor keys.
Practice writing four-part harmonies.

Read 'Tonal Harmony' by Stefan Kostka

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Deepen your understanding of music theory concepts with a widely respected textbook.

View Kostka, Tonal Harmony, 2018, 8e, Student... on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to chromaticism and modulation.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Analyze musical examples from the book.

Harmonic Analysis Exercises

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Sharpen your analytical skills by practicing harmonic analysis of musical excerpts containing chromaticism and modulations.

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Find musical scores online or in books.
Identify all chords and their functions.
Analyze modulations and voice leading.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Compose a Short Piece Using Chromatic Mediants

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Apply your knowledge of chromatic mediants by composing a short piece that incorporates them effectively.

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Choose a key and establish a tonal center.
Incorporate chromatic mediants to create harmonic interest.
Refine your composition through revisions.

Explore '20th Century Harmony' by Vincent Persichetti

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Expand your understanding of 20th-century harmonic techniques.

View Twentieth-Century Harmony: Creative Aspects and... on Amazon

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Read chapters on atonality and serialism.
Analyze musical examples from the book.
Experiment with 20th-century techniques in your own compositions.

Analyze Scores by Debussy or Ravel

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Deepen your understanding of chromaticism and non-functional harmony by analyzing scores from impressionist composers.

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Select several scores by Debussy or Ravel.
Identify and analyze chromatic harmonies and modulations.
Write a report summarizing your findings.

Create a Presentation on Set Theory

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Solidify your understanding of set theory by preparing and delivering a presentation on the topic.

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Research set theory concepts and notation.
Prepare slides with clear explanations and examples.
Practice your presentation and deliver it to an audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Music Theory Comprehensive Complete: Parts 16, 17, & 18 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Composer

A composer creates original music, and this role requires a deep understanding of music theory. This course on Music Theory provides a comprehensive foundation in advanced techniques, including chromatic sequences, modulations, and 20th-century theory. A composer might use the concepts of linear analysis, integer notation, and set operations learned in this course to create complex and innovative pieces. Because this course covers such a wide range of topics, an aspiring composer would benefit from a course that covers all of the topics discussed in this one.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Video Game Composer

A video game composer writes music for video games, and this role benefits from a strong music theory background. This course on Music Theory, with its focus on 20th-century techniques and set theory, will be helpful to a video game composer seeking to create varied and engaging scores. The concepts of integer notation and pitch class sets, covered in this course, may be useful when creating interactive and dynamic audio systems. The course's thoroughness would be useful in developing a deep knowledge of theory for a video game composer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Composer

Film Score Composer

A film score composer creates music that supports the narrative in a film. A deep knowledge of music theory is required to achieve this. The detailed exploration of chromatic harmony, linear analysis, and modulations in this course provides the tools for a film composer to create emotionally resonant scores. The course's syllabus touches on scales and modes that can be used to create varied and unique sounds. This course provides a foundation for a film score composer to deepen their music theory knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film Score Composer

Studio Musician

A studio musician records music in a studio setting. This role often requires a high level of music theory knowledge. This course on music theory covers all of the essential topics needed to elevate a studio musician's skill. The course emphasizes understanding the mechanics of music, which can be useful when sight reading. The comprehensive nature of the course may help a studio musician feel confident in their theoretical knowledge. This course may be useful to a studio musician looking to bolster their theoretical skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Studio Musician

Arranger

An arranger adapts existing music for different instruments or ensembles, a task heavily reliant on music theory knowledge. This Music Theory course, with its coverage of voice leading chords, modulations, and various scales, provides an arranger with the tools to craft effective and artistic arrangements. The course's focus on understanding why chords behave in certain ways helps an arranger make informed decisions about harmony and voicing. Understanding a composer's original intent, based on a deep knowledge of theory, is crucial for the role of arranger. This course may be useful to those wishing to become an arranger.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arranger

Orchestrator

An orchestrator assigns musical ideas to various instruments in an orchestra, which requires a strong grasp of music theory. By covering voice leading, chromaticism, and a range of scales, this Music Theory course equips an orchestrator to make effective choices about instrumentation. This course, covering college level theory, may be useful to an orchestrator by deepening their understanding of advanced techniques, including complex modulations. An orchestrator needs to understand why composers make specific choices with harmony; such a role would benefit from the detailed theory offered in the course's syllabus.

See salaries and explore the career path for Orchestrator

Music Analyst

A music analyst studies and interprets music, and this role is reliant on strong music theory skills. This course, covering college-level music theory and introducing various important techniques may be helpful to a music analyst. Concepts such as linear analysis, integer notation, and set theory would be directly applicable to understanding and evaluating musical works. This course would be useful in developing a broad base of knowledge for a music analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Analyst

Music Educator

A music educator teaches music theory and performance; this course directly aligns with the needs of those in such a role as the course is designed with a college syllabus. The comprehensive coverage of chromatic harmony, 20th-century music theory, and set theory in this course provides a strong theoretical base that a music educator can pass on to their students. The course may be useful as a method for a music educator to gain deeper understanding and new ideas. The course emphasizes the mechanics of music theory, which can be helpful to an educator wanting to teach these components to new learners.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator

Songwriter

A songwriter composes lyrics and music for songs. This Music Theory course may be useful for a songwriter wanting to expand their harmonic palette and craft more sophisticated melodies. The course’s focus on modulations, voice-leading, and scales could be very useful in creating more engaging song structures. The course's emphasis on understanding the 'why' behind music theory can help a songwriter compose more intentionally. Because this course offers a deep dive into theory, a songwriter who wants to grow in theory would benefit.

See salaries and explore the career path for Songwriter

Music Editor

A music editor works with music tracks for film, television, or audio recordings. While a music editor does not necessarily compose original work, they do need to have a robust understanding of music theory. This course’s focus on various music theory concepts such as scales, chords, and modulations may be useful when making decisions about how to sync music with visual media. Because this role requires an understanding of the minutia of musical works, this course can help provide an understanding of how music functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Editor

Music Director

A music director oversees the musical aspects of a performance or production. The comprehensive curriculum of this Music Theory course, including chromatic sequences and modulations, helps a music director make informed decisions about musical interpretation. Understanding 20th-century music theory, as taught in this course, is also helpful when working on contemporary pieces. The course's emphasis on understanding not just the rules but the reasons behind them, could help a music director better understand how to lead musicians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Copyist

A copyist creates written music parts from a score, and this role benefits from a deep understanding of music theory. A copyist must be able to understand a composer's intent as implied on the score. The concepts discussed in this Music Theory course, such as chromaticism, modulations, and forms, are beneficial to a copyist. This course may help a copyist understand complicated passages, and also improve their music literacy. This course can be useful when working with complex scores.

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Music Critic

A music critic evaluates and writes about music. A strong background in music theory, such as that provided in this course, may help a critic offer informed and insightful commentary. The course may be useful in its coverage of advanced music theory topics, allowing a critic to analyze and articulate the nuances of musical compositions. This course has the potential to elevate a music critic's understanding of musical structure, form, and technique.

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Music Supervisor

A music supervisor selects and licenses music for films, television, or other media. A background in music theory can be useful in understanding musical styles and forms. This course on Music Theory can help a music supervisor to better understand the nuances of musical composition, improving their ability to select appropriate music for a project. While this role does not require in-depth knowledge of composition, understanding the theory behind music can be advantageous when choosing music for film or other media. The course may be useful for those wanting to improve their understanding of musical works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Supervisor

A DJ selects and plays music for an audience. This course may be useful for a DJ who seeks to enhance their understanding of music structure and harmony. While a DJ may not directly use formal music theory on the job, a deeper understanding of musical forms can help them build more compelling sets. This course may be useful for a DJ looking to expand their knowledge of music theory and form.

See salaries and explore the career path for DJ

Music Theory Comprehensive Complete

Parts 16, 17, & 18

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Advanced music theory: chromaticism & 20th century

Activities

Career center

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