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

In this module, we will being to develop a vocabulary that is useful in describing the technicalities behind musical expression. To do this, we will start right away closely examining some actual, real music. First we will look at some Gregorian Chant (which, come on, can be stunningly beautiful). Second we will use some slow classic Jazz to thoughtfully build our vocabulary.

Melodic Structures: Simplicity, Repetition, and Change

In this module, still looking at single melodic lines, we will start to branch farther afield to describe some useful technical descriptions of the differences between different simple and complicated musical styles.

Combining Pitches: Consonance and Dissonance

Now we will start to describe different ways to think about playing pitches simultaneously. Carefully considering our terms, we will listen to a wide spectrum of styles before settling in to focus on the basics of common practice rules.

Cadences and Basic Harmonic Function

Beginning with a fuller examination of cadences, we will come up with ways to describe chords and harmonic function that help us talk and think about different styles of music. Finally, we will consider how our newly constructed vocabulary can help us describe the function and aesthetics of more and more complete pieces of music.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Inspiring music theory: understanding melody and harmony

Learners say this music theory course stands out due to its engaging assignments, enthusiastic instructor, well-organized content, and emphasis on practical application. The course is structured to be approachable and enjoyable, using humor and real-life examples to explain complex concepts. It starts with the basics and gradually builds a strong foundational understanding of musical elements. Students appreciate the inclusion of varied genres and styles, which helps them understand the evolution and diversity of music theory. They also value the opportunity to practice their skills through weekly assignments and peer feedback, which is seen as an essential aspect of the learning process. The course emphasises the importance of theory in musical appreciation and encourages students to develop their critical listening skills. Overall, learners praise this course for making music theory accessible, inspiring, and applicable in both understanding and composing music.

Peer feedback allows students to learn from others and improve their work.

"The best part of this course is evaluating other students' work. I learned an incredible amount by following the instructor's guide to providing feedback to peers."

"Peer graded assignments enhance the experience."

Enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructor who teaches in a fun and relatable manner.

"The teacher is amazing. He is very enthusiastic and cheers you up step by step, to get the different goals."

Develops critical listening skills and encourages students to appreciate the theory behind different musical pieces.

"I now have a keen sense of the relationship between horizontal and vertical melodies and appreciate every leap I hear in songs on the radio and elsewhere."

Covers a wide range of genres and styles, providing insights into the evolution of music theory.

"Its not simply a course but its a journey through decades of music. What a fun way to learn!"

"Top course! A wide panoramic of (mostly) Western music from the last 10 centuries."

Weekly assignments reinforce learning and provide opportunities for practical application.

"I learned so much in the course. Marc is a fantastic instructor. I never thought I could compose all these different styles of music!"

"Challenging but well worth the effort, and do support the learning extremely well."

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Critic

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Business Manager

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