Music Theory & Performance Certificates

Required Classes Linked to the Next Occurring Class. See Performance Certificates below

Level 5 Theory Certificate Requirement:
Level 5 Theory Examination (Next Class)

Level 6 Theory Certificate Requirement:
Level 6 Theory Examination (Next Class)

Level 7 Theory Certificate Requirement:
Level 7 Theory Examination (Next Class)

Level 8 Theory Certificate Requirement:
Level 8 Theory Examination (Next Class)

Level 9 Theory Certificate Requirement:  
Level 9 History Examinations(Next Class)
Level 9 Harmony Examinations(Next Class)

Level 10 Theory Certificate Requirement:
Level 10 History Examinations(Next Class)
Examinations Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint Examinations(Next Class)

Associate (ARCT) Theory Certificate Requirement:
Examinations Level ARCT History Examinations(Next Class)
Examinations Level ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint Examinations(Next Class)
Level ARCT Analysis Examinations(Next Class)

Performance Certificates

Examinations Grades 5 Performance Certificate Theory Requirement::
Level 5 Theory Examination Examination (Next Class)
or Level 6 Theory Examination (Next Class)
or Level 7 Theory Examination (Next Class)
or Level 8 Theory Examination (Next Class)

Grades 6 Performance Certificate Theory Requirement:
Level 6 Theory Examination (Next Class)
or Level 7 Theory Examination (Next Class)
or Level 8 Theory Examination (Next Class)

Grades 7 Performance Certificate Theory Requirement:
Level 7 Theory Examination(Next Class)
or Level 8 Theory Examination (Next Class)

Grades 8 Performance Certificate Theory Requirement:
Level 8 Theory Examinations(Next Class)

Grade 9 Piano Certificate Theory Requirements:
Level 8 Theory Examinations (Next Class))
Level 9 History Examinations(Next Class)
Level 9 Harmony Examinations (Next Class)

Grade 10 Performance Certificate Theory Requirements:
Level 8 Theory Examinations (Next Class)
Level 9 History Examinations (Next Class)
Level 10 History Examinations (Next Class)
Level 9 Harmony Examinations (Next Class)
Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint Examinations (Next Class)

ARCT Performance Certificate Theory Requirement:
Level 8 Theory Examinations (Next Class)
Level 9 History Examinations (Next Class)
Level 10 History Examinations (Next Class)
Level ARCT History Examinations (Next Class)
Level 9 Harmony Examinations Examinations (Next Class)
Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint Examinations (Next Class)
Level ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint Examinations (Next Class)
Level ARCT Analysis Examinations(Next Class)

Class Details

Level 5 Theory is recommended for students age 10 and younger who have passed their practical grade 5 examination.  Features treble and bass clef, key signatures to four sharps/flats, intervals, Italian terms and other musical note activities.  Study allotment 30-60 minutes per day (3-5 hours per week).  Prerequisites: Grade 4 or beginning Grade 5 piano. Next Class

Level 5-6 Theory is recommended for students who have passed the practical grade 6 examinations. A grade 12 high school credit is earned when paired with the grade 8 performance exam. Features treble and bass clef, all key signatures, scales, triads, cadences, intervals, Italian terms. Study allotment 45 minutes per day (4-6 hours per week). Prerequisites: 4 Performance any instrument.Next Class

Level 5-6-7-8 Theory is a fast-track class for highly motivated, bright students who are disciplined enough to complete homework assignments each week.  An average time allotment would be 60 minutes per day (5-6 hours per week).  During the last 3-4 weeks of class, theory students will need to intensify their efforts in order to prepare Mock examinations.  Class attendance is essential. Prerequisites: Reading notes and rhythms. Level 4 Performance any instrument.Next Class

Level 9 Harmony is the study of chord progressions that comprise music.  To feel comfortable, students need to review key signatures, chords and their technical names (tonic, dominant, etc.) which were covered in Level 8 Theory prior to the first class.  If a year or more has passed since the Level 8 Theory exam, students will have forgotten a substantial amount placing them at a disadvantage.  Prerequisites: Level 8 Theory. Next Class

Level 9 History presents an overview of Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern composers and works.  Because students are uninitiated in old school memory work, it is the most difficult.  Definitions/terms form the heart of the material and absorbing vocabulary is the number one priority. Other components include composer’s works, biographies and piece descriptions.  Prerequisites: Level 8 Theory. Next Class

Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint is a continuation of Basic harmony with more extensive use of minor keys and modulation.  Three new chords are introduced and students are asked to compose a 16 bar melody.   Harmonic and form analysis of sonata form, rondo, minuet and trio and the smaller forms are taught. Prerequisites: Basic Harmony. Next Class

Level 10 History presents the music of the Medieval and Renaissance with additional music genres of Baroque and Classical.  Focus is on definitions/terms, piece descriptions and style. Due to the unfamiliarity of the early periods, exam results will be jeopardized with missing the first classes. Prerequisites: History 1. Next Class

Level ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint is a continuation of Intermediate.  Four new chromatic chords are introduced.  Students compose a 2-part 16 bar composition.  Analysis includes chromatic harmony and remote modulations. Prerequisites: Intermediate Harmony. Next Class

Level ARCT History is a wonderful romp through major Romantic and 20th century composers (Liszt, Ravel), their styles and representative works.  Emphasis is on style and piece descriptions.  Adding a touch of fun, students study Canadian composers and performers such as Glen Gould, Louis Lortie and Join Mitchell. Prerequisites: History 2. Next Class

Level ARCT Analysis includes harmonic analysis of Classical and Romantic songs, sonatas and fugues.  Structural analysis of large forms includes sonata, sonata-rondo, rondo, fugue and songs. Prerequisites: Intermediate Harmony. Co-requisites: Advanced Harmony and/or Counterpoint. Next Class