Music Theory and Musicianship

Summer 2020 programs

Music Theory Without Fear (via Zoom)

New dates added by popular demand!

Dates: Monday, July 13-Friday, July 17, 9 a.m.-noon daily
Tuition: $210
Ages: 12-adult
Instructor: Kevin Rilling

Music theory can be fun! Unlock its secrets and learn how to read, write and understand theory in this lively course. The class is designed for all who want to gain a fundamental understanding of music theory in a short time. Excellent college prep or review course. No previous experience necessary.

Spring 2020 programs

Interactive Music Theory (ages 12-adult)

Sections: Mondays, 3:30-4:15 p.m., 4:20-5:05 p.m., or 5:10-5:55 p.m., Room 2175. Thursdays, 4-4:45 p.m., or 5-5:45 p.m., Room 1167
Dates: Monday sections start January 6. Thursday sections start January 9
Tuition: $265
Ages: 12-adult
Instructor: Kevin Rilling

The Music Theory program is a unique, interactive theory experience, offering students an exciting range and depth of individualized instruction. The curriculum is designed to address the needs of all students, from total beginners to advanced students who are already working at or near college level. Lectures and one-on-one instruction with the theory faculty, as well as regular assessment through exercises and tests, are integral to each student's academic development and understanding of course material. Youth and adults ages 12 and older are welcome after completing an initial placement test.

Beginning Music Theory II (ages 7-11)

Dates: Mondays, 6-6:45 p.m., Room 1167, starting January 6
Tuition: $105 for students also taking Blair lessons or ensembles. $205 without additional Blair activities.
Instructor: Tina Simpson

Students who have completed Beginning Music Theory I are invited to continue their study of music notation. Note and rest values, time and key signatures and more will be explored in this active class. 

Musicianship Level II

Musicianship Level I (fall semester course) is prerequisite
Dates: Mondays, 5:10-6 p.m., Room 1167, starting January 13
Tuition: $265
Ages: Grades 9-12
Instructor: Fred Sienkiewicz

Recognizing musical sounds by ear and accurately reading and singing from written music are fundamental skills needed by all musicians. Students in the Musicianship class improve their sightreading, dictation and improvisation skills by quickly learning to recognize pitch relationships and rhythms in real time, using the innovative tools of the Ploger Method®. Rooted in the classical French solfège system, this research-inspired approach, developed and proven successful over the past 40 years, is the basis of Blair's collegiate musicianship classes and is recognized worldwide for its universal applicability. Musicianship Level I is offered each fall. Additional levels may be offered in later semesters, depending on student interest and instructor availability. Students are invited to come discover their powerful musical ear!