Advanced Music Theory

Advanced Music Theory 1

Key information:

Course dates:
Course 1: Mon 15 – Fri 19 July 2024/Course 2: Mon 29 July – Fri 2 August 2024
Course times:
10am–5pm, BST (UTC+1)
Age:
14+
Art form:
Music
Fees:
£525
Deadline:
Bookings will close at 5pm on Sunday 30 June 2024 or when the course reaches full capacity
Level of study:
Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+) | Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
Mode of study:
Online
Venue:
Online
When:
Online Short Courses | Summer Schools (July–August)

Course info

Book Now for Course 1: 15 July–19 July 
Book Now for Course 2: 29 July–2 August
  • Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged.
  • Bookings will close at 5pm on Sunday 30 June 2024 or when the course reaches full capacity.
  • For our Terms and Conditions, please click here.

Ages 14+

Course Dates & Times

Course 1
Monday 15 – Friday 19 July 2024
10am–5pm, BST (UTC+1)

Course 2
Monday 29 July – Friday 2 August 2024
10am–5pm, BST (UTC+1)

About Advanced Music Theory

This five-day online music theory course, led by Guildhall Composition Professor Paul Whitmarsh, is ideal if you wish to prepare for music theory exams above ABRSM Grade 5 or equivalent, or if you want to improve your knowledge of music theory.

Who is the course for?
  • Anyone aged 14 and over working towards music theory examinations or concepts above ABRSM Grade 5 or equivalent.
  • There is no upper age limit on this course. We encourage and welcome participants from all ages 14 and over.
What can I expect?

You will receive group and one-to-one tuition to cover theory topics introduced at Grades 6 and 7. Each topic will begin with a group class session, after which you will be given exercises to work on with one-to-one guidance from the tutor.

Topics covered include:

  • How to realise figured bass harmony in different textures
  • How to compose melodies
  • How to harmonise melodies
Do I need anything for the course?
"The tutor - Paul Whitmarsh - was excellent! He was exceptionally knowledgeable and pitched the information at a great level."

– Participant on Advanced Music Theory, 2021

Course Fee

£525

Participation Bursaries are available for this course. Please note the application deadline for participation bursaries is 29 April 2024.

Book Now for Course 1: 15 July–19 July 
Book Now for Course 2: 29 July–2 August
  • Spaces are limited so early booking is encouraged.
  • Bookings will close at 5pm on Sunday 30 June 2024 or when the course reaches full capacity.
  • For our Terms and Conditions, please click here.
Eligibility
  • For everyone aged 14+. There is no upper age limit on this course. We encourage and welcome participants from all ages 14 and over.
  • You must have passed, or be working at a level equivalent to, ABRSM Grade 5 Theory.
  • Participants must have sufficient English language skills to cope with course demands.

    Online Short Courses Requirements

    All sessions will take place online using Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to you in advance of the course start date with further instructions.

    To participate in online classes you will need the following:

    • An email address
    • A reliable internet connection
    • A laptop/tablet/desktop computer with a microphone and camera (most have these included)
    • Speakers/headphones (the speakers in your laptop/tablet/computer should be sufficient)
    • A fully updated web browser able to use the most up to date version of Zoom, or a fully updated Zoom client

    If you have any questions regarding joining one of our online courses, please contact us.

    About the Course Tutor

    The course is taught by composer Paul Whitmarsh, who teaches in the composition and academic music departments at Guildhall School.

    Paul also teaches composition at Wells Cathedral School. He read music at Clare College, Cambridge, before studying composition with Julian Anderson at the Royal College of Music. Music education is a huge passion, with previous job roles including Composer-in-Residence at Bedford School between 2002 and 2005 and three subsequent years as Maingot Trust Fellow in New Music at The Warehouse, London.

    Paul's music has been performed at many festivals throughout the UK, including Aldeburgh, Spitalfields, Cheltenham, Deal, Hampstead and Highgate, Tête à Tête, the bmic Cutting Edge series, and the Park Lane Group New Year Series. Recent commissions include Lullaby for Choir and Organ magazine, premiered by the Joyful Company of Singers in 2010; Pealing Out, premiered by the Galliard Ensemble in 2009; and Berceuse in a Box for the 2007 Cheltenham Festival. His compositions have also been performed by, amongst others, Elizabeth Watts, Huw Watkins, David Campbell, Alexandra Wood, Daniel Becker, Chroma, and the Warehouse Ensemble.

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