July: Teacher Lead Online Music Theory Classes for August Exams

Theory & Harmony Classes

•Teacher Led Online Music Theory Classes•

This March 2021 marks our one-year “anniversary” with virtual online music Theory, Harmony, and History classes! We have come to appreciate the convenience and strengths of the format over in-person lessons. In addition to time saved commuting, students receive the full class time allocation for working with the teacher. Over a 12-week format, that adds an additional 6 hours of problem solving, presentation and student questions. Tests are completed by the student outside this allocation. Parents are required to return them in pdf format for grading. Students who require more time to complete a test can take that time and check their work before submitting it.

•Classes on Replay•

Because virtual classes are recorded, if a student misses a class (or part of a class), they can view and review the video. If a student does not understand a certain point, they are able to view that section of the class again. Theory class videos are made accessible to students until the class finishes. Students are free to travel and attend their class from a hotel or campground if Wi-Fi is available.
While some parents believe students do not concentrate as fully on zoom, our findings clearly indicate that zoom offers an outstanding opportunity for uninterrupted learning. With “uncontrollable talkers” able to mute themselves, advantages outweigh disadvantages. Students can eat/drink without interrupting others, are not inclined to distraction from cell phones, can always hear the teacher and see the work being done in the textbook from a quiet environment. Zoom preserves an element of respect, calm and good behaviour to everyone’s benefit. The grades reflect improvements due to all the above factors.

•L8 Theory Price Comparison•

For some parents, price is the “only difference” when considering options. Comprehensive Theory Level 8 is $500 for class and book. Students then purchase the online study guide and exam for $175 to complete the requirement. If they choose the online study guides with exam, the 4 levels x $175 equal $700. There is not a significant difference. The true choice is interacting with a computer versus a teacher and classmates.

•Required Acoma Textbooks•

Authors Lynn and Peter Ware wrote the required class textbooks, published by Acoma Company. They offer a consistent, organized approach allowing a comfortable progression and transition through the theory requirements. : We recommend parental supervision for young students. Textbook prices on this page are for students who enroll in classes or Private Online Lessons at Ware Academy of Music.