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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Approaching Music Theory: Melodic Forms and Simple Harmony by California Institute of the Arts

4.7
stars
153 ratings

About the Course

This course is about how music works. It is about the relationship between the technical and aesthetic details of music. It is also about how developing a meaningful theoretical vocabulary can help you think and talk about musical style, and how learning that vocabulary can expand your appreciation for music. In this course you will learn music theory not by looking at theory itself, but by listening to, looking at, and—yes!—writing your own musical examples. By hearing, seeing, and writing yourself, you will learn about classical, modern, ancient, pop, jazz, and folk styles. Through lectures, relevant examples, and numerous practice assignments, we will examine fundamental aspects of melody. We will move into working with two voices and counterpoint, and finally to three voices and the beginnings of harmonic function. This is an intermediate-level course for musicians and composers who already have some understanding of music theory through previous study. If you are a musician or composer looking to build a deeper understanding of music theory for composing, performing, or improvisation, you have come to the right place. If you are an amateur lover of music or, perhaps, play a musical instrument and want to develop a deeper sense of appreciation for music theory, aesthetics, and history, you are also in the right place!...

Top reviews

AW

Jul 4, 2020

Great survey of Western music. I found it more of an appreciation of listening to music rather than a formal music theory course. There's lots of opportunity to learn different styles of composition.

FM

Oct 14, 2023

I gained a lot of knowledge on musical terms in the course. However, it was challenging yet rewarding. Suitable for those with little experience and maybe basic music theory knowledge.

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51 - 75 of 90 Reviews for Approaching Music Theory: Melodic Forms and Simple Harmony

By Philip R

Mar 28, 2020

A very useful and interesting overview to melody and harmony. I loved Marc's sense of humour. It has motivated me to study the subject in more depth.

By Kris S

Feb 18, 2021

Terrific - many thanks to Marc and the Calarts team for sharing their passion. Have new found music appreciation, knowledge, ideas and inspiration!

By Mark A

Jun 15, 2022

I learned so much in the course. Marc is a fantastic instructor. I never thought I could compose all these different styles of music!

By Sir N J

Feb 8, 2024

Very well paced, very searching questions and assignments but achievable within the course objectives. I learned a lot thank you !

By Wang S

Sep 17, 2019

I'm Chinese, and not good at English. But with a dict in my hand, I enjoyed a lot in this course. Thanks the teacher very much.

By Octave H

Oct 12, 2020

Extraordinary course, with great lessons, even tho english isn't my native language. Really helpful and well made

By Lori S

Jan 10, 2021

This was a very interesting and enjoyable course. I definitely know more about music know than when I started.

By Ruben L

Aug 30, 2023

Thank you very much for this valuable knowledge, it has opened my eyes to the beauty and richness of music

By Mary B

Feb 23, 2021

A lot of work required in a fairly short time, definitely helped to make me observe music much more.

By Nestor G

Aug 23, 2020

A wonderful course with content that provides knowledge and allows you to experiment and discover.

By Joy S

Jun 8, 2020

lecturer is very skilled in his lecture delivering. thank you sir for teaching such a nice course

By Juan N

Jul 25, 2020

Great course! You will learn a lot of stuff on music theory and will have fun by doing it!

By Cheryl S

Jun 25, 2021

I appreciate the ability to take this course on line. It was difficult but rewarding.

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By Karen L

Feb 8, 2021

Great instructor. Material built on previous lessons. Assignments reinforced lectures.

By Sally P

May 24, 2020

Hilarious and ingenious! All I miss is another course by Mr Lowenstein. Encore, Encore!

By Mary C d C P J

Jul 17, 2019

If you want to learn about melody this is the perfect course. I totakky recommend it.

By John V

Jun 17, 2023

Marc, you are an excellent lecturer with a style full of inspiration. Thank you.

By Sophie

Nov 21, 2020

Excellent course. Thank you so much. Looking out for another one please!!!

By Ashish D A

Sep 16, 2020

Thanking Mr. Marc Lowenstein for teaching this amazing course.

By Enzo I

Jul 29, 2020

great trainer, very good balance between theory and practice!

By Vinícius G d M

Oct 29, 2019

excelente conteúdo, abrangente, profundo e simples.

By SILVIA

Mar 25, 2022

Excellente!!!! Marc is a wonderfull teacher

By Martin B

Apr 17, 2020

Great course I learnt a lot.

Thanks Marc

By Sarah L

Sep 15, 2021

Awesome course. I learned a lot.

By Παύλος Κ

Jan 12, 2022

Phenomenal teacher. Nice class!