This class takes a less traditional approach to music theory through an eclectic "mixtape" that traces the theory and practices of American and European music (rock, pop, folk, jazz) from as recent as the 1970s all the way back to earlier eras of Western Europe starting in the 1500s. Emphasizing more-recent American/British "classic" music, we cover standard theory concepts & techniques, and relate them to "classical" works of an earlier time.
The over-arching theme of the class is to experience the many styles that draw from the western music toolbox to understand what they have in common, and how they differ. We will embrace theory to expand our music learning, playing, and listening skills.
Concepts covered include scales (in depth), intervals, key signatures, the circle of 5ths, modulation, intervals, chords (including inversions, progressions, 7ths & alterations), basic forms, modes & modality, counterpoint, and an introduction to chromatic harmony. There will be weekly reading and writing assignments, with all materials (handouts and links) provided in class.
Artists that we’ll listen to include:
ABBA, Aretha Franklin, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Carol King, Claude Debussy, Frédéric Chopin, Gloria Gaynor, Herbie Hancock, J.S. Bach, John Coltrane, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Ludwig van Beethoven, Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Orlando Lassus, The Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel, Smokey Robinson, The Grateful Dead, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Ages: Adults, Teens (high school students)
Styles of music studied: Rock, Folk, Classical, Jazz
Instruments: Any (none used in class)
Class size: 3–6 students
Prerequisites: Familiarity with the basics of music notation and theory, such as clefs, note values and time signatures, major scales and key signatures. Students are welcome to communicate with Jono (jkornfeld@sfcmc.org) before enrolling in the class if they have questions about their compatibility with the material.
Instructor: Jono Kornfeld
Music Theory classes rotate on a quarterly basis. We encourage students to check back each quarter for updated opportunities.
Previous/common class offerings include: Introduction to Jazz Theory; Introduction to Music Notation and Reading; Listening to Funk and Blues; Long, Strange Day Trippers: Music Theory of the Beatles and Grateful Dead; Music Theory I–IV; Modern Western Music Survey; Rock Music of the ’60s and ’70s
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition.
Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.