Nuts and Bolts: Theory and Musicianship at CMC

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New CMC Ear Training faculty Erick Peralta

New Ear Training faculty
This Fall Quarter Community Music Center welcomes a new addition to CMC’s Theory and Musicianship faculty. Erick Peralta, who started teaching piano last year at CMC will be teaching Ear Training this Fall Quarter on Thursday evenings.

Though Erick is new faculty at CMC, he is not a new face. He began his musical career as a student in CMC’s Music for Children and piano over two decades ago. Erick has since gone to the Berklee School of Music in Boston and returned to San Francisco. As a pianist, Erick is a versatile musician with training in classical music with a special appreciation for all types of music, including Latin pop, Afro-Cuban, as well as his native Afro-Peruvian music. Proficient in traditional and popular styles, Erick is a composer and an arranger of music. Erick loves teaching and looks forward to sharing his passion for music to ear training this fall.

 

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Theory and Musicianship at CMC


Which theory and musicianship class is right for me?
We asked CMC’s longtime music theory teacher Jono Kornfeld to help compare the theory and musicianship classes at CMC. If you’re wondering which one of these classes is right for you, take it from Jono.

 

  • Introduction to Music Notation and Reading
    Introduction to Music Notation and Reading gets you up to speed by covering the nuts and bolts of notation and reading. It’s great for students new to music reading or for students who are coming back to studying music after a hiatus. This class is a helpful complement to private lesson study or group classes, especially when you’re just starting out.
  • Music Theory I, II, III
    Music theory gives a name to everything that goes on in music, and helps explain how and why these components work. The music theory courses at CMC are good for students who are interested in understanding the theory behind what they’re playing. This class is a helpful companion to private lesson and group class study, in that it gives a student more understanding of the methods behind the music.
  • Ear Training
    Ear training helps someone develop their listening skills in order to recognize (with their ears) all the components of music. Ear training is an important ingredient of musicianship: helping a student develop the ability to execute (play or sing) these components more accurately and confidently. Ear training assists instrumentalists and vocalists in mastering technique and musical style and supporting sight-reading and sight-singing. Ear training is essential for composers and arrangers. It benefits anyone who simply wants to be a better listener.
  • Summer Quarter Theory Classes
    During the Summer Quarter, Jono Kornfeld offers a range of other music theory classes, including Advanced Theory, Beginning Jazz Theory, Summer Composition Workshop, Modern Music, and Rock of the 60’s and 70’s. The classes are available on a rotating basis. Contact a registrar or Jono in the Spring Quarter for more information.

 

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Songwriting and Composition at CMC, photo by Linda Nakasone

Songwriting and composition classes at CMC
At CMC, aspiring songwriters and composers of all levels can study with professionals to bring their musical ideas to life. Seasoned songwriter and performer Larry Dunn teaches Songwriting Workshop covering songwriting techniques, including lyric development, song structure, and harmonic structure. Local composer Davide Verotta teaches Composition Workshop providing a solid foundation for understanding compositional forms coupled with music writing exercises. Both of these classes provide students with listening, analysis, and exercises in a small group environment.

Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount in group classes.