Music Theory Comprehensive Complete: Part 4, 5, & 6 from Udemy

This course has been independently reviewed by a panel of experts and has received a stellar 5-star rating.100% Answer Rate. Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

Welcome to the

This is a class designed for the average person who is ready to take music theory (or music interest) and turn it into a usable skill. Whether you are an active musician or an aspiring musician, 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.

This class is a Comprehensive class - it will have many parts, going through my entire annual curriculum.

In this class, we will cover:

My approach to Music Theory
Tools you will need to learn Music Theory quickly and efficiently
How Modes Work
The History of Modes
Identifying the Musical Modes
Incorporating modes into popular music
Analysis of popular and classical music, including the Simpsons TV Theme Song, and the Beetles.
Interval Exploration
Compound Intervals
Rules for Inversion
Augmented Intervals
Diminished Intervals
Enharmonic Equivalence
Labeling Dissonance
Counterpoint in Species
The Rules of Counterpoint
Compositing with Counterpoint
Types of Contrapuntal Motion
Creating music with Counterpoint
Tools of Counterpoint
Second Species Counterpoint
Metric Accents and Diminutions
Resolutions
Passing Tones
Consonant Skips and Leaps
Neighbor Tones
Writing Compelling Melodies
Third Species Counterpoint
The Cambiata
Double Neighbor Tones
Fourth Species Counterpoint
Rhythmic Displacement
Suspensions
4-3, 7-6, and 9-8 Suspension Types
Consonant Suspensions
Chains of Suspensions
Fifth Species Counterpoint
Free Counterpoint
My approach to Music Theory
Tools of Counterpoint
Types of Motion in Counterpoint
18th Century Counterpoint
Chordal Dissonance
Cadences in Bass/Melody Accompaniment
Cadences in 4-Voice Accompaniment
Non-Chord Tones in 4-Voice Accompaniment
Suspensions in 4-Voice Accompaniment
Example Analysis Projects
Writing 4-Voice (SATB) Lines
SATB Notation
SATB Ranges
Voice Crossings
Doubling
T-D-T Phrasing
Establishing Tonic Areas
Establishing Dominant Areas
Resolving Leading Tones (in 4-Voice Accompaniment)
Harmonic Rhythm
Texture (in Song)
Worksheets and Music for Practice
...and much, much more.

And of course, once you sign up for this class, you automatically get huge discounts on all the upcoming parts of this class.

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)

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

Students who register for this course will receive ongoing exclusive content and discounts to all future classes in the series.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Composing music using modes and counterpoint
Create unique melodies by understanding the rules of counterpoint
Create more emotional music by taking advantage of the musical modes
Interval exploration
Compound intervals
Rules for inversion
Augmented intervals
Diminished intervals
Enharmonic equivalence
Labeling dissonance
Counterpoint in species
The rules of counterpoint
Compositing with counterpoint
Types of contrapuntal motion
Creating music with counterpoint
Tools of counterpoint

Second species counterpoint
Metric accents and diminutions
Resolutions
Passing tones
Consonant skips and leaps
Neighbor tones
Writing compelling melodies
Third species counterpoint
The cambiata
Double neighbor tones
Fourth species counterpoint
Rhythmic displacement
4-3, 7-6, and 9-8 suspension types
Show more
Show less

Composing music using modes and counterpoint
Create unique melodies by understanding the rules of counterpoint
Create more emotional music by taking advantage of the musical modes
Interval exploration
Compound intervals
Rules for inversion
Augmented intervals
Diminished intervals
Enharmonic equivalence
Labeling dissonance
Counterpoint in species
The rules of counterpoint
Compositing with counterpoint
Types of contrapuntal motion
Creating music with counterpoint
Tools of counterpoint
Second species counterpoint
Metric accents and diminutions
Resolutions
Passing tones
Consonant skips and leaps
Neighbor tones
Writing compelling melodies
Third species counterpoint
The cambiata
Double neighbor tones
Fourth species counterpoint
Rhythmic displacement
4-3, 7-6, and 9-8 suspension types
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Welcome to Music Theory Comprehensive, Part 4, 5, and 6!

Overview

Tools we will use in this course

Update! MuseScore 3.0

[DOWNLOAD] Free Staff Paper

Asking Questions

Review Session: Major and Minor Scales

Review Session: Diatonic Chord Progressions

We've learned how to work with the major scale and the minor scale. But what if there was more than that? More possible "types" of scales? There are - and they are called Modes.

Overview of Modes: New Harmonic Territory

How Modes Work

The History of Modes

The Ionian Mode

The Dorian Mode

The Phrygian Mode

The Lydian Mode

The Mixolydian Mode

The Aeolian Mode

The Locrian Mode

[DOWNLOAD] Worksheet No. 1

Now that we know what modes are, we should look at how to use them, and how other composers have used them.

From Old to New Again: Modern Uses of Modes

Analysis: The Simpsons (TV Theme Song)

[DOWNLOAD] The Simpsons (TV Theme Song) Sheet Music

Analysis: Missa Pange Lingua (Choir)

[DOWNLOAD] Missa Pange Lingua (Choir) Sheet Music

Analysis: Eleanor Rigby (The Beatles)

[DOWNLOAD] Eleanor Rigby (The Beetles) Sheet Music

In previous classes in this series, we've learned a lot about intervals. But not everything. In this section we will cover some gaps and introduce some new intervals.

Melodic Vs. Harmonic Intervals

Using Visual Landmarks to Quickly Identify Intervals

Compound and Simple Intervals

Major/Minor/Perfect Intervals

Rules for Inversions of Intervals

Summary of Intervals So Far

Augmented and Diminished Intervals

The Tritone

Enharmonic Equivalence

[DOWNLOAD] Worksheet No. 2

Now that we've explored some more dissonant intervals, we should talk about how the consonant and dissonant intervals work together.

Consonance and Dissonance in Intervals

Resolution

Interval Classes

Analyzing Intervals

[DOWNLOAD] Bach 2 Part Invention No. 8

[DOWNLOAD] Worksheet No. 3

Counterpoint is one of the most important concepts in writing music. Many composers claimed the study of counterpoint was even more important that the study of harmony.

What is Counterpoint?

The Different Species of Counterpoint

Connecting Melodic Intervals

First Species Counterpoint - Melodic Rules

Connecting Harmonic Intervals

The 4 Types of Contrapuntal Motion

[DOWNLOAD] Example Analysis Files

Parallel Fifths and Octaves

[DOWNLOAD] Worksheet No. 4

Now that we know the basic rules, we will dive in and write our own piece!

The Beginning and The End

The Middle

The Riemenschneider

The Rules: All Wrapped Up

[DOWNLOAD] Worksheet No. 5

A little wrap up of Part 4, before we get into Part 5.

What Next?

Thats it for Part 4!

Lets get started!

Introduction to Part 5

Tools We Will Use

[DOWNLOAD] Staff Paper

Review: Modes

Review: First Species Counterpoint

Second Species Counterpoint uses all the rules of first species, plus some more.

What's New In Second Species

Metric Accents and Diminutions

Resolutions

Second Species Counterpoint Rules Summary

With more notes comes more options.

Passing Tones

Consonant Skips and Leaps

Neighbor Tones

Next, we will look at how to create some music with these rules.

First and Last Measures

The Melody Notes

Harmony

Summary and Tips

Moving on to Third Species, we add one new big wrinkle.

Four-to-One Counterpoint

The Cambiata

Double Neighbor Tones

Moving on to Fourth Species, we now have ties and suspensions.

Rhythmic Displacement

Suspensions

"Going Downhill"

4-3 Suspensions

7-6 Suspensions

9-8 Suspensions

Consonant Suspensions

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers a wide range of topics, including modes and counterpoint, making it a comprehensive course for music theory

Suitable for aspiring and active musicians, catering to learners with different backgrounds and goals in music

Offers a hands-on approach to learning music theory, minimizing memorization and emphasizing practical application

Taught by Dr. Allen, a professional musician, university professor, and recognized music educator

Provides real-life examples and analysis of popular and classical music, making the concepts relatable and applicable

Covers essential concepts in music theory, such as intervals, counterpoint, and harmonic analysis

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: Part 4, 5, & 6 with these activities:

Review major and minor scales

Show steps

Refreshes foundational knowledge of scales, ensuring a strong understanding of melodic and harmonic structures.

Show steps

Recall the formula for constructing major scales.
Practice writing and identifying major scales.
Recall the formula for constructing minor scales.
Practice writing and identifying minor scales.

Read Music Theory for Dummies

Show steps

Helps reinforce and deepen course concepts and build a stronger theoretical foundation in music theory.

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

Show steps

Obtain a copy of Music Theory for Dummies.
Read Chapter 1: The Basics of Music.
Read Chapter 2: Scales and Intervals.
Read Chapter 3: Chords and Progressions.
Read Chapter 4: Rhythm and Meter.

Create a digital notebook for all course materials

Show steps

Enhances organization, facilitates easy access to course materials, and promotes active engagement with the content.

Show steps

Use a digital note-taking app or software.
Create a new notebook for the music theory course.
Import or upload all course materials, including lecture notes, assignments, and resources.
Organize the materials into sections or topics.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Practice identifying intervals

Show steps

Reinforces interval recognition skills and improves aural perception.

Browse courses on Intervals

Show steps

Use an online interval ear training tool or app.
Listen to an interval and try to identify its name and quality (e.g., major, minor, perfect).
Repeat the process for various intervals.
Aim for accuracy and speed.

Compose a simple melody using the C Major scale

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Provides practical application of theoretical concepts and enhances melodic writing skills.

Show steps

Review the C Major scale and its notes.
Identify the tonic (C) of the scale.
Choose a starting note and write a simple melodic line that stays within the C Major scale.
Use a combination of stepwise and skipwise motion.
End the melody on the tonic.

Learn about chord inversions using YouTube tutorials

Show steps

Expands knowledge of chord construction and enhances understanding of harmonic progressions.

Show steps

Search for YouTube tutorials on chord inversions.
Watch a few tutorials and take notes on key concepts.
Practice inverting chords on a piano or keyboard.
Experiment with different inversions in musical contexts.

Career center

Learners who complete Music Theory Comprehensive Complete: Part 4, 5, & 6 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Composer

As a Composer, you will write and arrange music for a variety of purposes, such as film, television, theater, and video games. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and composition techniques. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, composition, and orchestration, which are all essential for composers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Music Professor

As a Music Professor, you will teach music theory, history, and performance at a college or university. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and pedagogy. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, music history, and pedagogy, which are all essential for music professors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Professor

Music Researcher

As a Music Researcher, you will conduct research on a variety of music-related topics, such as music theory, music history, and music education. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and research methods. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, music history, and research methods, which are all essential for music researchers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Researcher

Music Director

As a Music Director, you will oversee all aspects of a musical organization, such as an orchestra, choir, or band. You will be responsible for selecting and rehearsing musicians, planning and conducting performances, and managing the organization's finances and operations. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, composition, and conducting, which are all essential for music directors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Music Librarian

As a Music Librarian, you will be responsible for managing and preserving a collection of music materials, such as books, scores, and recordings. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and library science. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, music history, and library science, which are all essential for music librarians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Sound Designer

As a Sound Designer, you will create and mix sound effects and music for film, television, theater, and video games. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and sound design techniques. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, sound design, and mixing, which are all essential for sound designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer

Music Therapist

As a Music Therapist, you will use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and music therapy techniques. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, music history, and music therapy, which are all essential for music therapists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

Music Producer

As a Music Producer, you will oversee the recording and production of music. You will work with musicians, engineers, and other professionals to create and mix tracks. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and production techniques. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, recording, and mixing, which are all essential for music producers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Music Archivist

As a Music Archivist, you will be responsible for preserving and managing a collection of music materials, such as manuscripts, recordings, and instruments. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and archival science. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, music history, and archival science, which are all essential for music archivists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Archivist

Music Editor

As a Music Editor, you will edit and proofread musical scores and other music-related materials. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and editing techniques. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, music history, and editing, which are all essential for music editors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Editor

Music Instrument Maker

As a Music Instrument Maker, you will design and build musical instruments. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and instrument design. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, music history, and instrument design, which are all essential for music instrument makers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Instrument Maker

Musician

As a Musician, you will perform music on a variety of instruments. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and performance techniques. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, music history, and performance, which are all essential for musicians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

Music Teacher K-12

As a Music Teacher K-12, you will teach music to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. You will develop and implement lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide feedback. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, composition, and performance, which are all essential for music teachers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher K-12

Music Critic

As a Music Critic, you will evaluate and write reviews of musical performances and recordings. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and criticism techniques. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, music history, and criticism, which are all essential for music critics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Critic

Music Journalist

As a Music Journalist, you will write and report on music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. You will need to have a strong understanding of music theory and journalism techniques. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. For example, the course covers topics such as music theory, music history, and journalism, which are all essential for music journalists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist