Music Theory Comprehensive Complete: Part 7, 8, & 9 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.

Throughout this class, If you get stuck, you can review the videos or post a question, and I'll back to it as fast as possible (within a day).

In this class, we will cover:

Tools of Counterpoint
How Inversion Names Work
7th Chord Inversion Names
The Chordal 7th
Root Position V7 - I Resolutions in SATB Voicing
Inversions of V7 - I Resolutions in SATB Voicing
Exceptions to Voice Leading
Doubling Concerns in 7th Chords
Figured Bass
Figured Bass and Roman Numerals
Studying with Bach
"Realizing" Figured Bass
The Pre-Dominant Phrasing Area
Moving from Root Position IV to V Without Parallels
Predominant 7th Chords
Harmonization Steps
Finding Cadences
Finding the Right Chord Progression
Finding the Right Inversions
The Cadential 6/4
Chord Function
Writing Cadential 6/4 Chords
Neighboring 6/4 Chords
Pedal 6/4 Chords
Writing Neighboring 6/4 Chords
The Arpeggiating 6/4 Chord
Parallelism in Music
New Analysis Notations
The V7 as a Tonic Expansion
Other V7 Expansions
The Double-Neighbor V7 Expansion
Submediant Expansions
Chord Progression Sequences
Descending Fifth Progressions
Descending Sequences in Minor
Other Fifth Related Sequences
Making a Quick Key Change
Part-Writing with Descending Fifth Sequences
Descending Third Sequences
Descending Thirds in Minor
Ascending Third Progressions
Progressions by Second
4-Voiced Progressions by Second
Analysis: Canon in D
Analysis: Bach, Cello Suite No. 1
Finding Chords in Monophonic Music
Finding Chord Function in Bach
Secondary Dominant
Toniciziation
Key Modulation
Changing Keys
Practicing Harmonization
Melodies for Practice
Worksheets and Music for Practice
...and much, much more.

And of course, once you sign up for this class, you automatically get huge discounts to 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

Master college-level music theory class
Compose music in the style of bach and other baroque composers
Compose music in the style of many well-known composers
Create more emotional music using suspensions, resolutions, and non-chord tones effectively
Pitches and pitch classes
The keyboard layout
The 2 main clefs
Reading rhythms
The main musical symbols you find in scores
The 4 main scale patterns
The 3 notes in any chord (and how to find them!)
Analysis projects of bach, beethoven, mozart, and some modern music as well!
How 7th chords work
Keys and key signatures
The circle of fifths
The 7 scale degrees
Compound meters
The 3 types of minor scales
Diatonic chord progressions

The 7 modes
The 12 intervals
The 5 types of counterpoint
Writing melodies
Melodic embellishment
The 5 types of cadences
Harmonizing melodies
Figured bass
Harmonizing chorale melodies
Passing chords
Sequences by chords
Changing keys
Diminished chords and tonic expansion
Identifying phrases
Motives
Sentences, periods, and melody structure
Secondary dominants
Show more
Show less

Master college-level music theory class
Compose music in the style of bach and other baroque composers
Compose music in the style of many well-known composers
Create more emotional music using suspensions, resolutions, and non-chord tones effectively
Pitches and pitch classes
The keyboard layout
The 2 main clefs
Reading rhythms
The main musical symbols you find in scores
The 4 main scale patterns
The 3 notes in any chord (and how to find them!)
Analysis projects of bach, beethoven, mozart, and some modern music as well!
How 7th chords work
Keys and key signatures
The circle of fifths
The 7 scale degrees
Compound meters
The 3 types of minor scales
Diatonic chord progressions
The 7 modes
The 12 intervals
The 5 types of counterpoint
Writing melodies
Melodic embellishment
The 5 types of cadences
Harmonizing melodies
Figured bass
Harmonizing chorale melodies
Passing chords
Sequences by chords
Changing keys
Diminished chords and tonic expansion
Identifying phrases
Motives
Sentences, periods, and melody structure
Secondary dominants
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Welcome to the class! A few things to get out of the way before we dive in.

Introduction

Tools We Will Use

Update! MuseScore 3.0

[Download] Staff Paper Template

Review Session!

The Full MuseScore File (All Examples)

Let's take a step back and go over our inversion names. This is going to be really important moving forward with this class.

How Inversion Names Work

Triad Inversion Names

Seventh Chord Inversion Names

We have a few new things to deal with in resolving of the various V7 Inversions.

Resolving the "Chordal 7th"

Root Position V7 - I Resolutions in SATB

Inversions of V7 - 1 Resolutions in SATB

An Exception!

Doubling Problems

Figured Bass is, in some ways, a "right of passage" for anyone studying music theory.

What is Figured Bass?

How Figured Bass Works

Finding Figured Bass Roman Numerals

"Realizing" Figured Bass

Bach Example with Melody

Bach's Realization

6 Basic Rules to Remember

[Download] Worksheet No. 1

Soon we will be applying the T-D-T phrasing to our harmonizations, but first we need to expand it with a "pre-dominant" area.

Back to Phrasing!

Defining the "Pre-Dominant"

Using ii and IV as Pre-Dominant

Major Key Examples

Minor Key Examples

Moving from Root Position IV to V without Parallels

Doubling in the Minor Key iiº Chord

Pre-Dominant Seventh Chords

[Download] Worksheet No. 2

Ok - It's time to put it all together and learn how to build a harmony to a given melody.

Method for Harmonization

Start by Finding Your Cadences

What About T-PD-D-T?

Second, Outline Your Harmony

Third, Write Out Your Soprano and Bass Lines

Last, Complete the Inner Voices

Harmonization No. 2: Mary Had A Little Lamb

Harmonization No. 2: Finding the Cadences

Harmonization No. 2: Outline the Harmony

Harmonization No. 2: Write Out The Bass Line

Harmonization No. 2: Complete the Inner Voices

Proofread and Double Check

Don't Forget to Write Musically!

Don't Forget about Voice Leading!

Worksheets for Practice

[Download] Worksheet No. 3

Some Melodies for Practice

A few last things before we wrap up this section of Theory!

What Comes Next?

Thanks for Watching!

Here we go! Our 8th Installment of Music Theory!

Introduction to Part 8

Tools We Need For This Class

[Download] Staff Paper

Review Session - Examine Your Worksheets

The Full MuseScore File

[Download] The Master Example File

Why does a chord warrant it's own section, and pretty near it's own class? This one poses a lot of questions and special attention.

What is a Cadential 6/4 Chord?

Chord "Function"

Dominant Expansion

Example: My Country Tis of Thee

[Download] My Country Tis of Thee

Writing Cadential 6/4 Chords

Another type of 6/4 chord that gets special attention: The Neighboring 6/4.

The Neighboring 6/4 Chord

Properties of a Neighboring 6/4 Chord

Using Neighboring 6/4 Chords on the Dominant

Writing Neighboring 6/4 Chords

We can also land on a 6/4 chord through an arpeggiation of a bass line.

The Arpeggiating 6/4 Chord

Next, let's look at the Passing 6/4. This one is a little trickier than the Arpeggiating 6/4 because it has some variations.

The Passing 6/4

Using the Passing 6/4 on Other Chords

Writing Passing 6/4 Chords

6/4 Chord Wrap Up

[Download] Worksheet No. 4

Let's shift, just a little, to looking at similar chords and ways we can expand the tonic section of a passage of music.

Other Expansion Ideas

"Schenkerian Analysis"

Parallelism

Rule for Subdominant Function

New Analysis Notations

The V7 as an Expansion of Tonic

Other V7 Expansions

The Double Neighbor V7 Expansion

Submediant Expansions

Thoughts on Expansion Chords

That's it for Part 8! Let me leave you with a few thoughts and notes on what is yet to come!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Perfect for those new to music theory or wanting to improve their skills

Covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced techniques

Taught by an experienced and well-respected instructor

Can help learners develop a strong foundation in music theory

Provides access to exclusive content and discounts on future classes

Could benefit from more hands-on exercises and interactive activities

Reviews summary

Well received music theory course

According to students, this music theory course is well received. Students say that they are learning a lot and finding the course to be great. Students also say that the delivery of the material is excellent.

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 7, 8, & 9 with these activities:

Review concepts of major scales and key signatures

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Prepares you with key foundational concepts before the course begins, making learning these concepts later easier.

Show steps

Study the notes that compose each major scale.
Go through the circle of fifths to understand how key signatures and scales are formed.

Read 'Harmony and Voice Leading' by Edward Aldwell and Carl Schachter

Show steps

Provides theoretical depth and practical examples to reinforce concepts covered in class.

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Read a chapter from the book and summarize its main points.
Analyze a musical piece using the concepts discussed in the chapter.

Join a study group to discuss course material and work on assignments together

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Facilitates peer learning, offering diverse perspectives and opportunities for problem-solving.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Find a group of peers who are also taking the course.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material, work on assignments, and prepare for exams.
Take turns leading discussions and presenting different topics.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Explore online tutorials on specific topics, such as counterpoint or figured bass

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Provides additional support and different perspectives on challenging topics.

Browse courses on Counterpoint

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Identify a specific topic that you want to improve your understanding of.
Find online tutorials or videos that cover that topic.
Follow the tutorials and complete any exercises or assignments provided.

Identify intervals and chords by ear

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Develops your aural skills, making you more proficient in recognizing and manipulating musical elements.

Browse courses on Intervals

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Use an online ear training app or website to practice identifying intervals and chords.
Play simple melodies or chord progressions and try to identify them by ear.

Compose a short musical piece using the concepts learned in class

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Allows you to apply your knowledge creatively, enhancing your understanding of the concepts.

Browse courses on Composition

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Choose a specific topic or musical form to work on (e.g., cadence, modulation).
Sketch out the basic structure of your piece and decide on the key and tempo.
Write out the melody, harmony, and rhythm for your piece.
Refine your piece by editing and making revisions based on what you have learned in class.

Analyze musical scores to identify harmonic progressions and voice leading techniques

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Trains your analytical skills, enabling you to deconstruct and understand complex musical works.

Browse courses on Harmonic Analysis

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Choose a musical score that you are interested in.
Identify the harmonic progressions used in the score.
Analyze the voice leading techniques employed in the score.

Develop a presentation on a topic related to music theory, such as the history of harmony or the use of counterpoint in a specific composer's work

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Gives you an opportunity to synthesize your knowledge, present your findings, and enhance your public speaking skills.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Choose a topic that you are interested in and research it thoroughly.
Create a presentation that includes clear and concise slides, supporting evidence, and examples.
Practice your presentation and get feedback from peers or your instructor.

Career center

Learners who complete Music Theory Comprehensive Complete: Part 7, 8, & 9 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Theory Teacher

The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course is an excellent resource for aspiring and experienced Music Theory Teachers alike. The course covers a wide range of topics including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This comprehensive knowledge will help you to teach music theory concepts more effectively to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Theory Teacher

Musician

Musicians of all levels will benefit from taking the Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course. The course covers a wide range of topics essential for musicians, including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This knowledge will help you to improve your musical skills including playing, singing, and composing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

Composer

Are you passionate about creating beautiful music? Then you need to sign up for the Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course. This course will deepen your knowledge of music theory concepts and give you advanced skills in composing and arranging music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Music Arranger

Music Arrangers take musical compositions and adapt them for different instruments or ensembles. The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course will provide you with the skills you need to arrange music for a variety of settings, from small ensembles to full orchestras.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Arranger

Music Producer

As a Music Producer, you need a solid understanding of music theory to create professional-sounding recordings. The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course will provide you with the knowledge you need to produce music that is both technically sound and musically expressive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Sound Engineer

The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course may be helpful for Sound Engineers who want to expand their knowledge of music theory. The course covers a wide range of topics including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the musical content you are working with and making better decisions about how to mix and master it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Engineer

Music Journalist

The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course may be helpful for Music Journalists who want to expand their knowledge of music theory. The course covers a wide range of topics including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This knowledge can be helpful for writing informed and insightful articles about music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist

Music Librarian

The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course may be helpful for Music Librarians who want to expand their knowledge of music theory. The course covers a wide range of topics including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This knowledge can be helpful for cataloging and organizing music materials, as well as providing reference assistance to patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Music Therapist

The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course may be helpful for Music Therapists who want to expand their knowledge of music theory. The course covers a wide range of topics including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This knowledge can be helpful for using music to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals.

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Music Teacher

The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course may be helpful for Music Teachers who want to expand their knowledge of music theory. The course covers a wide range of topics including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This knowledge can be helpful for teaching music theory concepts to students of all ages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Opera Singer

The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course may be helpful for Opera Singers who want to expand their knowledge of music theory. The course covers a wide range of topics including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the music you are singing and performing it with greater expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for Opera Singer

Music Critic

The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course may be helpful for Music Critics who want to expand their knowledge of music theory. The course covers a wide range of topics including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This knowledge can be helpful for writing informed and insightful reviews of musical performances and recordings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Critic

Music Educator

The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course may be helpful for Music Educators who want to expand their knowledge of music theory. The course covers a wide range of topics including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This knowledge can be helpful for teaching music theory concepts to students of all ages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator

Music Director

The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course may be helpful for Music Directors who want to expand their knowledge of music theory. The course covers a wide range of topics including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This knowledge can be helpful for leading and conducting musical ensembles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Piano Tuner

The Music Theory Comprehensive Complete course may be helpful for Piano Tuners who want to expand their knowledge of music theory. The course covers a wide range of topics including music notation, scales, chords, rhythm, and harmony. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the mechanics of the piano and tuning it accurately.

See salaries and explore the career path for Piano Tuner