Music Theory Comprehensive Complete: Parts 19, 20, & 21 from Udemy

Welcome to the

This course is "5-Star Certified" by the International Association of Online Music Educators and Institutions (IAOMEI). This course has been independently reviewed by a panel of experts and has received a stellar 5-star rating.

This is a class designed for the average person who is ready to take their music career (or music interest) and level up. Whether you are an active musician, an aspiring musician, or an aspiring music manager or agent - 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.

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.

This class is a combined class and includes all parts 19, 20, and 21. This is the end of the sequence. It concludes what would be the fourth semester of college-level music theory.

100% Answer Rate. Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.

In this class, we will cover:

Set Theory
Pitch Class Set
Prime Form
Normal Order
Interval Vectors
Z-Related Sets
Composing with Pitch Class Sets
My Listening List
Ordered Pitch Sets
Inversion
Retrograde
Retrograde Inversion
Twelve-Tine Rows
The Matrix
Serialism
Total Serialism
Constructing a Row
Serialism in Popular Music
Notation post-1945
Reactionary Movements
Minimalism
Third Stream
Chance Music
Postmodernism
...and much, much more.

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, as per Udemy Policy)

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

What's inside

Learning objectives

Master college-level music theory class
Compose music in the style of the great composers
Create more emotional music using suspensions, resolutions, and non-chord tones effectively
Pitches and pitch classes

20th century music theory
Set theory
Serialism
Integer notation

Master college-level music theory class
Compose music in the style of the great composers
Create more emotional music using suspensions, resolutions, and non-chord tones effectively
Pitches and pitch classes
20th century music theory
Set theory
Serialism
Integer notation

Syllabus

Introduction

Tools You Will Need

Staff Paper Download

Review

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers set theory, prime form, and serialism, which are essential concepts for composers interested in exploring 20th-century music and beyond

Explores the music of Bartok, Webern, and Schoenberg, offering learners insight into the application of music theory in complex compositions

Prepares learners for music theory exams such as the Praxis II Test, ABRSM, and AP Music Theory, making it suitable for academic advancement

Requires learners to have completed the first three semesters of college-level music theory, which may exclude some beginners

Examines reactionary movements like minimalism, third stream, and chance music, providing a broader understanding of music history

Includes a listening list of 20th-century music, which helps learners absorb a new vocabulary and expand their musical horizons

Reviews summary

Advanced college-level music theory: set theory & serialism

According to students, this course offers excellent, in-depth coverage of advanced music theory topics, equivalent to a fourth semester of college-level study. Learners praise the focus on subjects like Set Theory and Serialism, finding the material rigorous yet rewarding. The instructor, Dr. Jason Allen, is frequently highlighted for providing clear explanations of complex concepts and offering responsive support. While students appreciate the comprehensiveness, it is noted that the course deals with highly challenging material and is best suited for those with a solid prior background in music theory.

Thorough and detailed, akin to university study.

"This course is as comprehensive as any university-level class I've taken on these topics."

"The inclusion of analysis examples (Bartók, Webern) is incredibly valuable."

"Provides a rigorous and complete survey of the advertised material."

"Leaves no stone unturned regarding Set Theory and Serialism basics."

Instructor clarifies complex concepts effectively.

"Dr. Allen does an excellent job breaking down these very complicated ideas into understandable parts."

"His explanations are clear, concise, and he makes even the most abstract topics accessible."

"The instructor's passion for the subject really comes through."

"Questions were answered quickly and thoroughly, which was very helpful."

Explores complex 20th-century music theory.

"Finally, a course that dives deep into Set Theory and Serialism. This is exactly what I needed."

"The material covered, like Pitch Class Sets and the Matrix, is truly advanced and hard to find explained well online."

"This course fills a significant gap for serious students interested in post-tonal music."

"I appreciate the focus on 20th-century techniques and analysis."

Demanding content requires significant effort and prior knowledge.

"This is not for the faint of heart or beginners. You definitely need a strong foundation in tonal theory first."

"The concepts are quite abstract and require a lot of mental heavy lifting. Prepare to really study."

"It's a very specific niche of music theory, which is great if you need it, but maybe not for everyone."

"Found it quite difficult at times, but worth it for the depth."

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: Parts 19, 20, & 21 with these activities:

Review Music Theory Fundamentals

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Strengthen your understanding of fundamental music theory concepts like scales, chords, and key signatures to better grasp the advanced topics covered in this course.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Review basic music notation and terminology.
Practice identifying intervals and chords.
Analyze simple musical scores.

Read 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition'

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Solidify your understanding of music theory fundamentals with a comprehensive guide that covers a wide range of topics.

View Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How... on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to scales and chords.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.

Analyze Webern's 'Klangfarbenmelodie' with peers

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Deepen your understanding of 20th-century music analysis by collaborating with peers to analyze a complex piece by Webern, focusing on set theory and serialism.

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Individually analyze the score for set relationships.
Meet with peers to compare findings and interpretations.
Discuss the challenges and insights gained from the analysis.

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Compose a Serialist Composition

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Apply your knowledge of serialism by composing a short piece using twelve-tone rows and serial techniques, reinforcing your understanding of the compositional process.

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Generate a twelve-tone row using different methods.
Create variations of the row using inversion, retrograde, and retrograde inversion.
Compose a short piece using the row and its variations.
Record or notate your composition.

Study 'Serial Composition' by Reginald Smith Brindle

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Gain a deeper understanding of serial composition techniques through a detailed exploration of the subject by a renowned composer and theorist.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read the chapters on twelve-tone rows and matrix construction.
Analyze examples of serial compositions provided in the book.
Experiment with serial techniques in your own compositions.

Create a Comparative Analysis of Serialist Works

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Enhance your analytical skills by comparing and contrasting different serialist compositions, focusing on their use of twelve-tone rows, serial techniques, and overall aesthetic.

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Select two or three serialist compositions for analysis.
Analyze each piece for its use of twelve-tone rows and serial techniques.
Write a report comparing and contrasting the pieces, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Career center

Learners who complete Music Theory Comprehensive Complete: Parts 19, 20, & 21 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Theorist

A music theorist analyzes the structure and principles of music, and this course provides a rigorous foundation in advanced theoretical concepts, making it ideal for this career. The detailed syllabus includes set theory, pitch class sets, prime forms, normal order, interval vectors, and serialism, all of which are central to the work of a music theorist. This course may help a student develop a deep understanding of music theory. The course's content is similar to what is taught in university music theory programs, positioning anyone who takes the course to begin a career in music theory.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Theorist

Composer

A composer creates original musical works, and this course helps build a foundation in the theoretical aspects of music crucial for composition. The course's focus on set theory, serialism, and 20th-century techniques directly informs the compositional process, providing a framework for creating complex pieces. A student who takes this course will be able to compose music using diverse methods beyond traditional approaches, drawing from the material on prime forms, normal order, and matrix construction to enrich their compositions. This course's content is especially helpful for those who want to create music that pushes boundaries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Music Analyst

A music analyst examines musical works to understand their structure and meaning, and this course provides the tools and techniques for precise musical analysis. The course explores set theory, pitch class sets, and serialism, all of which are valuable for analyzing complex compositional structures. The course's detailed analysis of pieces by Bartok and Webern shows how to apply these concepts in practice, providing examples of a method for music analysis. A music analyst may gain substantial benefit from this course's deep dive into 20th century musical techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Analyst

Music Educator

A music educator teaches music theory and skills, and this course provides a comprehensive study of advanced music theory, making it useful for anyone who wishes to teach music at the college level. This course includes material on pitch class sets, set theory, and serialism that are essential for a modern music curriculum. The course is designed for the average person and is based on a university syllabus. It may help a music educator teach these concepts effectively. The course is also useful for educators who prepare students for tests such as the Praxis II Test, ABRSM Music Theory Exam, and AP Music Theory Exam.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator

Video Game Composer

A video game composer creates original music for video games, and this course can be helpful in providing a basis for understanding advanced composition techniques. Video game music varies in style, and the course's range, including set theory, serialism, and minimalist techniques may offer a toolkit for a wide variety of game genres. The course's extensive analysis of scores may lead to innovations in video game music. The course includes listening lists that introduce a composer to important music in the 20th century.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Composer

Film Score Composer

A film score composer creates original music for films, and this course provides a strong foundation in the advanced theoretical concepts that are necessary for film scoring. The course's coverage of set theory, serialism, and 20th-century composition techniques introduces students to a range of tools for creating diverse and expressive scores. The course may be useful to a student who wishes to compose for film. A student who takes this course will also learn about the practical application of these techniques from the analysis of published works in the course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film Score Composer

Music Arranger

A music arranger adapts existing compositions for different instruments or ensembles, and this course may be useful in developing the theoretical and analytical tools necessary for this work. The detailed exploration of pitch class sets, interval vectors, and set theory provides a deep understanding of harmonic and melodic structures, which can be applied to re-imagining existing music. The course's emphasis on understanding why chords behave in certain ways enriches an arranger's understanding of music. A student may also use ideas from the course's exploration of 20th century techniques to make innovative arrangements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Arranger

Orchestrator

An orchestrator assigns musical ideas to various instruments of an orchestra, and this course may be useful in developing a deeper theoretical understanding of music for this work. The in-depth study of musical forms, analysis, and 20th-century composition techniques may enhance an orchestrator's ability to create rich and varied textures. The course's syllabus includes an examination of serialism and total serialism, which can expand the orchestrator's palette, encouraging them to take calculated risks in their work. The course's focus on understanding structural elements of music is beneficial to someone who engages in orchestration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Orchestrator

Music Critic

A music critic evaluates and critiques musical performances and recordings, and this course may be useful in developing a more informed understanding of music history and theory. The course's material includes 20th-century music, serialism, and set theory. When reviewing these styles of music, a music critic may benefit from the course's detailed syllabus. The course's treatment of musical analysis may help a critic develop their analytical faculties and write more insightful critiques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Critic

Sound Designer

A sound designer creates soundscapes for films, video games, or other media, and this course may be useful for enriching their understanding of sound from a music theory perspective. The course's concepts such as interval vectors, pitch class sets, and set theory might offer a framework for analyzing and generating sound textures. While this career focuses on sound as sound rather than sound as music, the course may offer a new way of conceptualizing sound. A sound designer may be able to make unique works by drawing on the course's treatment of serialism and 20th-century styles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer

Music Supervisor

A music supervisor selects and licenses music for film, television, and other media, and this course may offer a deeper knowledge of music for this role. The course's syllabus covers important aspects of music theory and 20th-century music. A music supervisor may benefit from this course by developing a broader base of knowledge for their work. The deep dive into theory may help them choose music more effectively, as well as give them a framework to speak more authoritatively about their work with others.

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Music Journalist

A music journalist writes about music and the music industry, and this course may offer a broader musical foundation for their writing. The course covers topics including set theory, serialism, and 20th-century musical practices. This course may be helpful in providing context for writing about music, particularly from the 20th century. A music journalist may draw on this course's syllabus to develop content for articles and other writing.

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Music Librarian

A music librarian manages collections of music scores and recordings, and this course may be helpful in developing a deeper knowledge of music theory and history. A music librarian might use the course to understand the historical and theoretical importance of many pieces of music. The course covers such topics as pitch class sets, musical analysis, and serialism. This may offer a librarian a deeper understanding of music theory. A music librarian may be able to use this knowledge to organize their collections.

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Arts Administrator

An arts administrator manages the operations of arts organizations, and this course may be useful in broadening their understanding of music. The course, which covers advanced music theory, may give an administrator a greater appreciation of the art form. An arts administrator who understands set theory and modern music may make better decisions and better connect with the artists they manage. The course syllabus, which is the same one used in university courses, provides a high-level overview of music theory.

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Music Publisher

A music publisher manages the business aspects of music publishing, and this course may be useful in gaining a deeper appreciation for music theory and music history. The course's material on 20th century music, set theory, and serialism may offer a better understanding of the works they are publishing. A music publisher who understands music theory may be better equipped to work with and manage composers and musical works. The course may be useful for those working in music publishing.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Music Theory Comprehensive Complete: Parts 19, 20, & 21.

Music Theory Note by Note

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of music theory concepts, making it a valuable resource for students of all levels. It covers topics such as scales, chords, harmony, and form in a clear and accessible manner. It is particularly helpful for students who need a refresher on basic music theory concepts before diving into more advanced topics. This book can serve as a useful reference tool throughout the course.

Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How Music...

Kindle Edition

Music Theory Comprehensive Complete

Parts 19, 20, & 21

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Advanced college-level music theory: set theory & serialism

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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