Deepen your understanding of music. Musical literacy empowers creativity and comprehension. Mastery of the language of music makes it easier to communicate and collaborate with others. Music theory and aural skills (ear training) teach the grammar and syntax of music to liberate self-expression of musical ideas on any instrument and with the voice, making it easier to learn songs by ear and memorize forms.
Through a combination of written and aural exercises, participants will learn to read, write, and vocalize music with or away from an instrument.
This course is open to all levels, instrumentalists and singers of all kinds. Anyone who wants to learn these principles and foundations of music are welcome. No prior knowledge or musical ability with an instrument are required.
This 5 lesson course (once every two weeks) will teach you the essentials of music theory. Each lesson will build upon the previous class and culminate in an integrated knowledge of how to analyze and create music. If you would like to join the class after Lesson 1, you may do so and will get access to the live recorded class.
Lesson 1 (Notes and Intervals): Note names. The 12 pitches of the chromatic scale. Sharps and flats. Intervals. The treble clef. Writing on the musical staff. Basic orientation to bass clef.
Lesson 2 (Scales): Relative Major and minor scales, pentatonic scales, the blues scale and symmetrical scales (octatonic/diminished and whole-tone). Modes of the scales. Solfege, note names, scale degree numbers. Key signatures.
Lesson 3 (Triads, Chords and Arpeggios): Triads, seventh chords and beyond. Chord inversions. Common-tones.
Lesson 4 (Rhythm Theory): Notes and rests. Whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes and triplets. Bars, measure lines, tempo, time signatures and other symbology (repeat sign, dynamics, tempo marking, etc.). Metronomes.
Lesson 5 (Chord Progressions, Composition & Arranging): Roman Numeral Analysis, standard chord progressions and sequences, common-tones revisited. Formal structures, dynamics, instrumentation, reharmonization. Pivot chords and key changes.
What you will need: A pencil and notebook dedicated to music study
Suggested Donation: $150 for full series; no one will be turned away for lack of funds; please email us if you would like financial support.
Teacher Bio:
Adrian DiMatteo (B.M. Jazz Guitar Performance, Eastman School of Music) is an international performing and recording artist, music educator and sound healer with over 18 years’ experience in the music world. He performs original and popular songs, children’s music and carries sacred chants and mantras from ancient native, tribal, and indigenous cultures. He is also the creator of “Chord Atlas”, an iOS app for aspiring guitarists of all levels.
Adrian teaches guitar, voice, music theory, songwriting and the principles of sound healing. His workshops, lessons and private sessions draw upon both technical academic expertise and ancient spiritual knowledge passed down by elders of the traditions, including his teacher Maestro Manuel Rufino of the Golden Drum in New York.
Adrian regularly facilitates and takes part in healing retreats and workshops around the world, including service for hospitals, senior centers, and children’s programs. He is a passionate educator who understands that creativity and heart-centered self-expression are keys to a healthy life.
Adrian offers workshops on the principles of sound healing, opening your voice, guitar and music theory, meditation, song study, poetry/songwriting/composition and music for children.
Connect, learn and listen at: www.adriandimatteo.com
Social Media:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/adriandimatteo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adriandimatteo
Instagram: http://instagram.com/adriandimatteo
Bandcamp: https://adriandimatteo.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/adriandimatteo
E-Mail: adriandimatteo@gmail.com
Chord Atlas: https://appadvice.com/app/guitar-handbook/1059621385