Solfege at your fingertips 1 from edX

Welcome to the first course of the MOOC series: Music theory at your fingertips.

This series of free, online courses focuses on music theory and its application through music theory.

High school music programs are often focused on ensemble playing with less emphasis on music theory. Furthermore, with the numerous music software programs available, it is easier to create music without mastering and understanding the mechanisms of tonal music. It is thus to deprive oneself of all the richness of the colors and the possibilities that this one can bring. Whether you want to study music or are an amateur musician, you can take your playing to the next level by fully mastering the language of music!

This first MOOC of the series will focus on writing pitch, note names and accidentals, as well as understanding intervals, the relationship between two notes.
The second MOOC will cover tonality, the major scale, the different minor scales and tonal harmony.
The third MOOC will deal with the rhythmic writing of binary and ternary time.
The fourth and last MOOC, (to come) will be a synthesis of all the theory seen previously and its practical application by reading and writing complete musical texts integrating melody and rhythm.
We hope that this series will help you demystify music theory and bring you to read a score with as much pleasure as you would have reading a good novel!

Welcome to the first MOOC in the series: Music theory at your fingertips

What's inside

Learning objectives

Music
Jazz and classical performance

Composition

Music
Jazz and classical performance
Composition

Syllabus

Module 1

The name of the notes

The staff

Clefs

The register

Module 2

The semitone

Alterations

Double accidentals

The diatonic and chromatic semitone

Module 3

The intervals

The name of the intervals

The quality of intervals

The redoubled intervals

Reversed intervals

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines music theory through the lens of composition, giving added context that may benefit learners who are interested in the field

Provides a comprehensive overview of music theory fundamentals, including intervals and notation

Suited for beginners who are interested in developing a foundational understanding of music theory

Part of a series of courses on music theory, suggesting a structured approach for learners

Clear focus on providing a comprehensive understanding of musical notation and terminology

Taught by Matthieu Van Vliet, who has a strong reputation in musical instruction

Career center

Learners who complete Solfege at your fingertips 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Teacher

Music Teachers instruct music theory, as well as how to play certain musical instruments. People in this role educate students at a variety of levels, from kindergarten through college. Those who teach younger children often do so in a general classroom setting, while high school and college Music Teachers typically specialize in teaching a particular subject, such as music theory, choir, or band. Solfege at your fingertips 1 focuses on music theory, helping you build a foundation for teaching this subject to students.

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Musician

Musicians play musical instruments to entertain and educate audiences. They may perform alone or with a group, and they may work in a variety of settings, such as concert halls, schools, and churches. Solfege at your fingertips 1 focuses on the reading and writing of music, which is essential for any musician.

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Composer

Composers create and arrange music. They may work in a variety of genres, including classical, pop, and electronic music. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a foundation in the language of music, which is useful for any composer.

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Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the recording and production of music. They work with musicians, engineers, and other professionals to ensure that the final product meets the artist's vision. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is essential for any producer.

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Music Director

Music Directors oversee the musical aspects of a production, such as a play, movie, or television show. They work with the cast and crew to ensure that the music supports the story and the overall vision of the project. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is useful for any Music Director.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. They work with individuals and groups of all ages in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is useful for any Music Therapist.

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Music Publisher

Music Publishers acquire, edit, and distribute musical compositions. They work with composers, musicians, and other professionals to ensure that the music is protected and available to the public. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is useful for any Music Publisher.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians organize and manage music collections in libraries, archives, and other institutions. They may also provide research and reference assistance to patrons. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is essential for any Music Librarian.

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Music Editor

Music Editors prepare and revise musical manuscripts for publication. They work with composers, arrangers, and publishers to ensure that the music is accurate and ready for distribution. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is useful for any Music Editor.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and other publications. They may also review concerts, interview musicians, and report on the latest news in the music industry. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is useful for any Music Journalist.

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Audio Engineer

Audio Engineers record, mix, and master audio for a variety of purposes, including music, film, and television. They work with musicians, producers, and other professionals to create the best possible sound quality. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is useful for any Audio Engineer.

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Instrument Maker

Instrument Makers create and repair musical instruments. They may work with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is useful for any Instrument Maker.

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Music Librarian Assistant

Music Librarian Assistants help music librarians with their duties. They may shelve books and music, assist with research, and provide reference assistance to patrons. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is useful for any Music Librarian Assistant.

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Music Teacher Assistant

Music Teacher Assistants help music teachers with their duties. They may lead warm-up exercises, assist with students' playing, and grade assignments. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is useful for any Music Teacher Assistant.

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Music Instrument Salesperson

Music Instrument Salespeople sell musical instruments and accessories in retail stores. They may also provide advice to customers on choosing the right instrument for their needs. Solfege at your fingertips 1 provides a basic understanding of music theory, which is useful for any Music Instrument Salesperson.

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