Now offering an 8-week course focused on basic music reading, theory and sight-singing. Course is July 10-August 28 in Half Moon Bay, CA. For more info.
Learn Music Theory!
AVAILABLE FOR AGES 12 & up
Music theory is the study of how music is written or composed.
Basic instruction starts with learning rhythm, and then progressing to melody, then harmony, to form and finally timbre.
As you progress you will learn expressive elements of music such as tempo, articulation, dynamics and so forth.
Once basic concepts are learned, you will start writing your first short composition. These will initially only include rhythm and melody, but will add other elements when you are ready.
Examples of things you will learn as a student also include chords and chord structure, voice-leading, voicing, instrument ranges, key signatures, modulations, rhythmic variations and complexity, counterpoint and more.
What I can offer
- former music theory professor at several colleges
- published composer and arranger
- years of teaching theory to pianists and singers.
- A love of teaching.
- Lots of patience and a willingness to go at your rate and toward your goals.
Lessons are available Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m-8 p.m.
I teach in my home in the Twin Peaks area of San Francisco and am also happy to setup lessons online.
If you do come to my home, please know that there is a cat present.
My current teaching rate is $70/hour, $55/45 minutes or $40/30 minutes.
Lessons during the first month may be paid as you go. Lessons after the first month must be paid in full in advance, at the beginning of the month.
Payments may be made by cash, check, via PayPal, Venmo, Ca$h App, Zelle or on my Shop page.
THE FINE PRINT
I will be 100% committed to your education in music theory and ask the same from you. Working between lessons and completing assignments are important.
Except for the first month, lessons must be paid for in full at the start of each month. This ensures that I am able to keep your preferred lesson spot available each week.
If you must miss a lesson, please let me know as soon as possible. Cancellations made a minimum of 24 hours in advance will be rescheduled based on our mutual availability. Lessons canceled in less time than that will not be rescheduled except in unusual circumstances.
If I need to miss a lesson, you will receive a credit toward the next month.
For questions or to schedule your first lessons, please contact me here.