About the course

Comprehensive Western music Theory & Ear training

Western Music Theory and Ear Training: Intensive Online Crash Course 

This intensive online crash course is dedicated to providing in-depth theoretical knowledge of Western Music, integrating the study of Staff Notation and practical Ear Training techniques, focusing on detailed explanation, structured discussion, and active practice. 
 

I. Course Schedule & Language 

Detail	Description
Format	Intensive Online Crash Course (12 Classes)
Duration	N/A
Focus	Western Music Theory, Staff Notation, and Ear Training
Medium of Instruction	Primarily Hindi, with necessary English terminology.
Practical Component	Includes practical application components such as singing and instrument playing.

 

II. Eligibility and Enrollment 

Category	Description
Recommended For	All individuals interested in mastering Western Music Theory, Staff Notation, or Ear Training. Especially beneficial for Indian musicians seeking to translate and understand Western musical concepts.
Not Recommended For	Absolute beginners. The curriculum is covered at an intensive pace, requiring a foundational capacity for rapid learning.

 

III. Course Modules and Content 

Module 1: Foundational Theory and Staff Notation 

This module establishes a comprehensive theoretical base, progressing from the essentials of notation to advanced concepts. 

• Staff Notation (Basic to Advanced): Detailed study of reading and writing music notation, covering fundamentals up to quite advanced levels. 

• Reading and Writing: Focused practice on the core skills necessary for transcribing and interpreting musical scores. 

• Understanding of Rhythm: Core concepts required for a thorough understanding and application of rhythmic principles. 

 

Module 2: Harmony, Composition, and Progressions 

This module explores the mechanics of musical creation, focusing on harmony, chord relationships, and movement. 

• Composition & Improvisation: Techniques and exercises for creating new music ("Naya Sangeet Banana") and practicing on-the-spot playing or singing. 

• Intervals: Study and aural identification of the distance between notes, internalizing the mind's registration of these relationships. 

• Chord Progressions: Detailed study of chord combinations (e.g., V to I), their nomenclature, and appropriate application. 

• Part Writing: Techniques for composing or writing a second, third, and fourth voice below a given melody to ensure harmonic correctness. 

• Chromatic Chords and Added Chords: Understanding the use, application, and identification of different chromatic and added chords (e.g., transitioning between keys like C major to C# minor). 

• Modulations: In-depth study of changing from one key to another, including the processes, permissible key changes, and note choices. 

• Mode Progressions: Detailed understanding and practical exercises related to various mode progressions. 

• Understanding Harmony: A deep dive into the general principles of chords and harmony. 

 

Module 3: Rhythm, Form, and Analysis 

This section concentrates on complex rhythmic structures, essential musical forms, and detailed piece analysis. 

• Rhythm Combinations & Time Signatures: Level-by-level study of rhythm beyond basic meters (e.g., 3/4 or 4/4), acknowledging the unlimited possibilities of rhythmic design, coupled with analysis of different time signatures. 

• Polyrhythms: Advanced study of complex polyrhythmic relationships, such as 2 beats in 3 measures, 3 in 4, 4 in 7, and 5 in 2. 

• Musical Form: Understanding the organizational structure and form of music, a necessary element in Western musical analysis. 

• Song/Music Analysis: Detailed study of the components within a song, sheet music, or instrumental piece, emphasizing the unlimited details to uncover in a close study of music. 

• History of Music: Exploration of the historical evolution of music, including different musical periods or eras. 

 

Module 4: Ear Training and Practical Application 

This module is dedicated to developing the student's inner hearing and practical application skills through specific exercises. 

• Sight Singing Exercises: Exercises focused on reading a piece of music and correctly conceptualizing the sound (what is written) without the aid of an instrument. 

• Transposing: Techniques for changing a song's notation from one key (e.g., G) to another (e.g., A) and understanding the effective use of different keys. 

• Musical Memory: Developing the ability to gradually memorize short and long musical phrases, similar to the process of memorizing taans or long sargams. 

• Chord Singing: The unique technique of singing two chords—specific details of this practice will be shared with enrolled students. 

 

 

 Course Structure and Logistics  

• Course Series: This workshop is part of an independent series of modules. Each course is a distinct unit and does not represent a sequential level. You are welcome to enroll directly in any available module at any time. 

• Language: The instruction will be delivered primarily in Hindi with some English terminology. 

 

Materials Needed: 

• Any musical instrument you play (e.g., Keyboard, Piano, Harmonium, MIDI keyboard). 

• Notebook and pen for theory and ear writing practice.