Guildhall Young Artists Online Music Theory for Guitarists and Bassists
Demystify music theory for guitarists and bass players by teaching it through the fretboard, not just on paper. Players finish able to read, write, decode, and use theory in real playing situations.
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About
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Wednesday evenings
- Course times:
- 5–6pm GMT (UTC+/-0)
- Age:
- 11–18
- Art form:
- Music
- Fees:
- £360 per term
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
- Mode of study:
- Online
- Contact details:
- gya-online@gsmd.ac.uk
About the Music Theory for Guitarists and Bassists Course
About Online Music Theory for Guitarists and Bassists
Aim: To demystify music theory for guitarists and bass players by teaching it through the fretboard, not just on paper. Players finish able to read, write, decode, and use theory in real playing situations.
Who is it for?
Guitarists + bassists, approx Grade 2 playing level and up. No prior theory needed. Electric or acoustic players welcome.
Whilst no guitar or bass grade is needed, students should be able to assess their level at around grade 2 to be able to play and use the material in the course.
Links to songs of this grade can be provided for acoustic, electric and classical guitar and electric bass.
What can I expect?
By the end of the course, students will:
- Read standard notation + TAB, understand treble & bass clefs as they apply to guitar/bass
- Understand note values of the rhythm tree
- Learn an approach to sight reading on the instruments starting with rhythm, adding pitch and applying it to popular songs.
- Build and name chords: triads, 7ths, 9ths, sus, slash chords, etc.
- Decode scales + modes and know where/how to use them on the neck
- Count and feel common + odd time signatures
- Understand keys, intervals, and basic harmony
- Cover core topics from ABRSM Grade 1-5 theory, but applied to fretboard shapes
- Gain an understanding of the grand staff and how it relates to our guitar and bass and others.
Please note that class content could be subject to change.
About the Course Tutor
Jonny McCourt is a jazz musician, performer and educator who performs regularly in the UK and internationally. He taught guitar, musicianship and theory for over 16 years at Centre for Young Musicians, a division of Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where his final post was Head of Guitar. He is currently Head of Contemporary Music at King’s College School, leading an innovative programme centred on creativity, performance and contemporary practice. His work has also included collaboration with The Juilliard School on the Creative Classroom project, supporting schools across South East Asia through creative music education initiatives. He is passionate about inspiring young musicians through imaginative, and high-level music-making and is working on putting all of that knowledge and experience in to a series of books for a major music publisher.
Do I need anything?
- An email address
- A reliable internet connection
- A computer/laptop/tablet with a microphone and a camera.
- Your browser fully updated to be able to use the most recent version of Zoom (if using an Apple device we recommend installing an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla).
- Manuscript paper and a pencil
- You may be sent a physical copy of Music Theory books (these will be included in the course fee)
Please ensure you are able to work in a well-lit and quiet environment so that your tutor is able to fully assess your work and performance.
Course information
Please see information about our course fees, term dates, absences and notice period below.
Fee per term: £360
Means-tested bursaries are available. View our Finance and Funding page for more information.
Please note:
If you are joining us after the start of term, the number of weeks missed from the term will be deducted from the course fee. Please get in touch with us via our online enquiry form to register your interest for Music Theory and a friendly member of our team will be in touch to confirm the class fee.
Deposit
We ask for a £100 holding deposit to secure your place. On receipt of your application, a friendly member of our team will discuss your requirements noted on the application form and send a payment link for the reservation of a place. This payment will be taken off one terms fees.
Please find our Term Dates here.
We regret it is not possible to give refunds in the event of absence as the Centre has to continue paying professional tutors and overheads. GYA Online expects as close to 100% attendance as possible, to ensure you develop and get the most out of your membership. Please refer to the Parent/Carer Agreement for the full terms and conditions.
In the event of authorised absences, students will be able to access recordings of classes.
GYA Online Parent_Carer Agreement.pdf
By signing up to the Music and Drama Course and Music Classes, you agree to sign up for three terms (September–July). If you wish to end the course early, half a term's notice must be given.
This notice period is required to fulfil obligations to the professional tutors, pay for facilities and to encourage you to be fully committed to the courses chosen.
Join our Music Theory for Guitarists and Bassists class
Submit an enquiry form
Benefit from Guildhall Young Artists membership
As a member of GYA Online, you can expect exclusive opportunities, performances and workshops, including competitions, invites to concerts and gigs and performances from students at Guildhall School.
