Courses by Topic

Courses by topic are ideal for those wishing to understand, revise, or consolidate specific music content. These courses are intensive and are aimed at helping you feel fully comfortable with material and its application to music in general. You will be guided through the topic in a step-by-step manner and will practice content in a variety of ways including written and practical work. These courses can be taken as standalone (check for any prior knowledge that may be required), as a package of a number of classes, or in their entirety over time. For more information, contact: info@musicliteracy.ie

Introduction to reading music notation: 1 hour

For those with some experience in playing music, this course introduces you to music note reading and rhythm.

Introduction to writing music notation: 30 mins

Ideal for those who can read music but would like to be able to write as well as recognise notation. Here you will focus on accuracy in terms of note formation & placement, stems, bars, position of accidentals, and time signatures.

Introduction to intervals and transposition:
1 hour

The moment two notes sound either simultaneously or in succession, an interval is formed, while moving a melody up or down a register by a certain interval, to suit a specific voice range or instrument say, requires knowledge of transposition. This course introduces you to major and perfect intervals and transposition. The ability to read music is required.

Diatonic major scale: 1.5 hours

Fundamental to much music theory, an understanding of the diatonic major scale is important. This course considers the diatonic major scale in terms of interval and pitch content, sol-fa, keys and key signatures, accidentals, as well as an introduction to transposition.  An understanding of intervals is required for this course and the ability to read music on ideally treble and bass clefs.

Minor scales: 1.5 hours

This course considers the relationship between the natural minor and major scales. You will also explore two further types of minor scales i.e. the harmonic and melodic. An understanding of major scales is necessary for this course.

Time signatures, part I: 1 hour

A look at the most common simple time signatures and the importance of grouping and the different types of beats that can be used.

Time signatures, part II: 1 hour

Compound time signatures can prove to be a stumbling block for students. If misunderstood, it can impact on performance. In this course, explore the difference between compound and simple time signatures. An understanding of simple time signatures is required.

Introduction to harmony: 1.5 hours

Here you will explore the building blocks of harmony, which includes forming triads and writing cadences. An understanding of major and minor scales as well as the ability to read treble and bass clefs are required.

More intervals and chords: 1.5 hours

Explore different qualities of intervals and chords including minor, augmented, and diminished. In addition, compound intervals and inverted intervals will be covered. An understanding of major and perfect intervals and knowledge of how to form triads are required.

Transposition: 2 hours

Transposition is a useful tool for any music student or musician. It is done without thinking in a number of contexts, yet it is often considered a daunting task. Here you will explore transposition in two ways: transposing music from one key to another and transposing instruments. An understanding of intervals is required.

Theory exam prep for teachers: 2 hours

Ideal for teachers whose students take theory exams or study theory as part of their music instrumental lessons. Delivered by an experienced theory examiner for RIAM, learn what the most common mistakes are throughout grades, why they happen, and how to avoid them.