Approaching Music Theory: Melodic Forms and Simple Harmony from Coursera

This course is about how music works. It is about the relationship between the technical and aesthetic details of music. It is also about how developing a meaningful theoretical vocabulary can help you think and talk about musical style, and how learning that vocabulary can expand your appreciation for music.

In this course you will learn music theory not by looking at theory itself, but by listening to, looking at, and—yes!—writing your own musical examples. By hearing, seeing, and writing yourself, you will learn about classical, modern, ancient, pop, jazz, and folk styles.

Through lectures, relevant examples, and numerous practice assignments, we will examine fundamental aspects of melody. We will move into working with two voices and counterpoint, and finally to three voices and the beginnings of harmonic function.

This is an intermediate-level course for musicians and composers who already have some understanding of music theory through previous study. If you are a musician or composer looking to build a deeper understanding of music theory for composing, performing, or improvisation, you have come to the right place. If you are an amateur lover of music or, perhaps, play a musical instrument and want to develop a deeper sense of appreciation for music theory, aesthetics, and history, you are also in the right place!

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

This introductory module lets you know what is involved in the course. Come on in!

Melodic Structures: Lines, Shapes, and Simple Modes

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops listening, observation, and application skills, which are core to being a successful musician

Provides a framework for thinking and talking about music in a meaningful way

Taught by Marc Lowenstein, who is recognized for their work in music theory

Offers a comprehensive study of music theory, covering a range of musical styles

Helps learners understand the relationship between technical and aesthetic details in music

Explores musical concepts through interactive examples, making learning more engaging

Reviews summary

Foundational music theory with engaging instructor

According to learners, this course is a highly effective way to build a deeper understanding of melodic forms and simple harmony. Students consistently praise the instructor's passion and engaging teaching style, along with the clear explanations supported by diverse musical examples from various genres. Many found the required writing assignments invaluable for applying concepts and solidifying learning. While some reviewers noted the initial pace might feel slow if you have significant prior theory, the course is generally considered well-pitched for intermediate learners or those with some basic background looking for structure and depth, providing a solid foundation.

Pace varies, potentially slow initially, fitting intermediate learners.

"Some parts felt a bit slow at the beginning if you already knew the very basics, but it picks up."

"Found the initial parts a bit too slow and repetitive, covering ground I already knew."

"Might be better suited for high beginners or low intermediate learners."

"Felt like much of it was still covering very basic concepts... depth wasn't quite there for someone with a solid foundation already."

Provides a solid foundation in melodic and simple harmony.

"I feel I have a much deeper understanding of how music is constructed now."

"Perfect course for me. Had some basic theory but wanted more structure and depth."

"Excellent foundational music theory course. Focused on melody and simple harmony as advertised."

"Solid introduction to melodic and basic harmonic concepts."

Assignments, especially writing, reinforce learning effectively.

"The assignments were challenging but very rewarding, especially the writing parts."

"The writing exercises were key to applying the knowledge."

"Loved the emphasis on listening and writing."

"The writing exercises were particularly helpful."

Instructor's passion makes theory accessible and engaging.

"The instructor's passion for music theory is infectious, and his explanations are incredibly clear."

"The instructor is a gem, making potentially dry topics come alive."

"The instructor is fantastic! His enthusiasm for music theory is infectious."

"Highly recommended. Fantastic instructor, clear explanations..."

Concepts are clearly explained with diverse musical examples.

"It was so well explained and the musical examples were beautiful and varied."

"The instructor explains complex topics very clearly and uses excellent, diverse musical examples from different genres."

"I loved how he used examples from various genres, not just classical."

"Clearly explained concepts. Examples are a strong point."

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 Approaching Music Theory: Melodic Forms and Simple Harmony with these activities:

Listen to classical music to understand cadences

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Review cadences to aid in understanding the course module Cadences and Basic Harmonic Function

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Listen to a variety of classical music pieces.
Identify the cadences used in the pieces you listen to.

Watch video tutorials on counterpoint and two-voice writing

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Expand your knowledge of counterpoint and two-voice writing through video tutorials, reinforcing the module on Working with Two Voices and Counterpoint

Browse courses on Counterpoint

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Find video tutorials on counterpoint and two-voice writing.
Watch the tutorials and take notes.

Read 'The Study of Counterpoint' by Knud Jeppesen

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Gain a deeper understanding of counterpoint by reading a classic text on the subject

View Counterpoint: The Polyphonic Vocal Style of the... on Amazon

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Purchase a copy of 'The Study of Counterpoint'.
Read the book and take notes.

Three other activities

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Attend a music theory workshop or masterclass

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Supplement your learning with a hands-on activity, like a workshop, that focuses directly on the topics covered in the course

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Find a music theory workshop or masterclass that interests you.
Register for the workshop or masterclass.

Write a blog post about the role of consonance and dissonance in music

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Deepen your understanding of consonance and dissonance, and practice your written communication skills, by writing a blog post on the topic

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Research the role of consonance and dissonance in music.
Write a blog post that explains your findings.

Compose a short piece of music using the techniques you have learned in the course

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Demonstrate your understanding of music theory by composing a piece of music using the techniques you have learned

Browse courses on Composition

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Choose a topic or theme for your composition.
Sketch out the basic structure of your piece.
Develop the melody, harmony, and rhythm of your piece.
Refine and polish your composition.

Career center

Learners who complete Approaching Music Theory: Melodic Forms and Simple Harmony will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Director

Music Directors oversee the artistic and musical aspects of musical productions, including operas, concerts, and ballets. To succeed in this role, you must have a deep understanding of music theory and composition. This course provides a solid foundation in these areas, making it a valuable resource for aspiring Music Directors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Composer

Composers create original music for various purposes, including film, television, and video games. A strong grasp of music theory, including melodic forms and harmony, is essential for success in this field. This course delves into these concepts, providing you with the theoretical knowledge necessary to excel as a Composer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Music Teacher

Music Teachers instruct students in music theory, performance, and composition. To be an effective Music Teacher, you need a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. This course offers a solid foundation in melodic forms and basic harmony, preparing you to teach these concepts effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Music Arranger

Music Arrangers adapt existing music for different instruments or ensembles. This requires a thorough understanding of music theory and the ability to manipulate melodic lines and harmonies. The focus on melodic forms and counterpoint in this course will provide you with valuable skills for a career as a Music Arranger.

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Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the recording and production of music. They work closely with musicians and engineers to achieve the desired sound. A strong foundation in music theory is essential for Music Producers, as they need to understand the technical aspects of music and how different elements interact. This course provides a solid grounding in these concepts.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians manage and organize music collections in libraries and archives. They need a deep understanding of music theory to catalog and classify music accurately. This course provides a comprehensive overview of melodic forms and harmony, equipping you with the theoretical knowledge necessary for success as a Music Librarian.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Music Critic

Music Critics write and review music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They need a strong understanding of music theory to analyze and evaluate musical works effectively. This course provides a solid foundation in melodic forms and harmony, equipping you with the analytical skills essential for a successful career as a Music Critic.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to improve the physical, emotional, and cognitive health of patients. They need a solid understanding of music theory to design and implement effective therapeutic interventions. This course provides a foundation in melodic forms and harmony, which are essential for understanding the structure and function of music.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They need a strong understanding of music theory to write accurately and informatively about musical works. This course provides a solid foundation in melodic forms and harmony, equipping you with the theoretical knowledge necessary to succeed as a Music Journalist.

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Music Educator

Music Educators teach music in schools and other educational settings. They need a deep understanding of music theory to effectively teach students about the subject. This course covers melodic forms and harmony, which are foundational concepts in music education.

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Musician

Musicians perform music using various instruments or vocals. While a formal understanding of music theory is not always required, it can enhance a Musician's ability to understand and interpret musical works. This course provides a foundation in melodic forms and harmony, which can be valuable for Musicians who want to deepen their knowledge of music.

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Audio Engineer

Audio Engineers record, mix, and master audio. They need a basic understanding of music theory to work effectively with musicians and producers. This course provides a foundation in melodic forms and harmony, which can be helpful for Audio Engineers who want to improve their understanding of the music they are working with.

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Sound Designer

Sound Designers create and manipulate sounds for various purposes, including film, television, and video games. While a formal understanding of music theory is not always required, it can enhance a Sound Designer's ability to understand and work with musical elements. This course provides a foundation in melodic forms and harmony, which can be valuable for Sound Designers who want to expand their knowledge of sound design.

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Music Business Manager

Music Business Managers handle the business and financial aspects of the music industry. While a formal understanding of music theory is not typically required, it can provide valuable insights into the creative process and the music industry as a whole. This course offers a foundation in melodic forms and harmony, which can be beneficial for Music Business Managers who want to enhance their understanding of the music they are working with.

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Music Promoter

Music Promoters organize and promote musical events. While a formal understanding of music theory is not essential, it can provide a deeper appreciation for the music being promoted. This course offers a foundation in melodic forms and harmony, which can be helpful for Music Promoters who want to understand the music they are promoting and connect with music fans on a deeper level.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Promoter