Music Theory and Composition
Craig Levesque, Department Head
The Conservatory offers a comprehensive Music Theory program that caters to students of all ages and stages of abilities. The classes offered are taught by highly experienced and credentialed instructors. The courses below utilize online learning platforms such as Canvas to provide a high-quality and interactive learning process.
Introduction to Music Theory
Ages 7–10 years
Introduction to Music Theory is intended for students who have never studied music theory before and have limited experience with private instruction. Students will learn basic reading and writing skills, focusing on pitch, rhythm, and musical vocabulary. Fun and accessible, this class serves as a great introduction to the world of music theory and composition.
Tuition: $304 for 16 classes per semester
Theory Class Level I
Age 10 years and up
In Theory 1, the focus of the class is on the fundamental building blocks of musical language. Students will learn the basics of reading and writing music and music analysis. Students will be prepared to take the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (MDP) exam or the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exam. Materials and optional exam fees are not included. Placement test required.
New Students: Please click here to complete the placement test prior to registering for the course.
Tuition: $304 for 16 classes per semester
Theory Class Level II
Age 11 years and up
Theory 2 begins to integrate the basic elements of theory into the study of more complicated harmonies, melodies, rhythms, and compositions. Students begin to focus on composition and analysis in a more comprehensive way, as they learn to understand the form and structure of music in a more sophisticated manner. Students will be prepared to take the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (MDP) exam or the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exam. Materials and optional exam fees are not included. Placement test required.
New Students: Please click here to complete the placement test prior to registering for the course.
Tuition: $304 for 16 classes per semester
Theory Class Level III
Age 11 years and up
Theory 3 continues to explore the skills and concepts covered in previous levels and introduces functional harmony, part writing, and music analysis. There is an increased focus on composition, as students learn to write and harmonize simple melodies. Students will be prepared to take the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (MDP) exam or the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exam. Materials and optional exam fees are not included. Placement test required.
New Students: Please click here to complete the placement test prior to registering for the course.
Tuition: $304 for 16 classes per semester
Theory Class Level IV
Age 13 years and up
Theory 4 begins to deal with form and harmony in earnest, and prepares students for the challenges of the Advanced Placement courses. The focus shifts further toward music from the classical repertoire as students analyze more complicated forms, and a greater emphasis is placed on Roman numerals and figured bass. Students will be prepared to take the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (MDP) exam or the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exam. Materials and optional exam fees are not included. Placement test required.
New Students: Please complete the placement test here prior to registering for the course.
Tuition: $304 for 16 classes per semester
Music Theory Advanced Placement Prep
Ages 15–18 years
The Conservatory offers a two-year course to prepare high school students for the Advanced Placement exam in music theory. Students may begin in year two upon completion of an equivalency exam. Class focus is on voice-leading, analysis, and advanced harmony. Please note that the Conservatory does not administer the AP exam; students must take it through their respective school district. Materials and optional exam fees are not included.
Tuition: $704 for the academic year
Ear Training Advanced Placement Prep
Ages 15–18 years
Ear Training is the companion class to Music Theory Advanced Placement Prep and is open to students taking either AP Prep 1 or 2. Designed to prepare students for the aural portion of the Advanced Placement exam, the curriculum focuses on sight singing, melodic dictation, harmonic dictation, and aural interpretation of recorded scores.
Tuition: $352 for the academic year