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

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 Solfege at your fingertips 1 with these activities:

Read 'Music Theory for Dummies'

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This book provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of music theory, covering topics like pitch, intervals, scales, and chords.

View Piano & Keyboard All-in-One For Dummies (For... on Amazon

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Read the book from cover to cover.
Take notes on the key concepts.
Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter.

Review fundamentals of pitch and intervals

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Reviewing the basics of pitch and intervals will strengthen your understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on Pitch

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Review the definition of pitch and its relationship to frequency.
Practice identifying different pitches on a musical instrument.
Study the different types of intervals and their relationships to each other.

Watch online tutorials on music theory

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Online tutorials can provide additional support and clarification on music theory concepts.

Browse courses on Online Learning

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Find reputable online tutorials on music theory.
Watch the tutorials and take notes.

Four other activities

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Complete interval ear training exercises

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Practicing interval ear training will improve your ability to recognize and identify different intervals, which is essential for music theory.

Browse courses on Intervals

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Use an ear training app or website to practice identifying intervals.
Sing or play different intervals on a musical instrument.

Join a study group to discuss music theory concepts

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Engaging in discussions with peers can help reinforce your understanding of music theory and provide fresh perspectives.

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Find a study group or create your own with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course material.

Compose a short melody using the principles of music theory

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Composing a melody will allow you to apply the music theory concepts you've learned in a practical way.

Browse courses on Composition

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Choose a scale and key for your melody.
Write out the notes of the scale.
Experiment with different melodic patterns and intervals.

Create a presentation on a music theory topic

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Creating a presentation will allow you to synthesize and share your understanding of a specific music theory topic.

Browse courses on Presentation Skills

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Choose a topic for your presentation.
Research your topic and gather information.
Create a presentation outline.
Develop your presentation slides.
Rehearse your presentation.

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Publisher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Editor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instrument Maker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian Assistant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher Assistant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Instrument Salesperson