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PRINT VERSIONTheory, History, Composition
The Conservatory offers classes in all theoretical subjects. This course outline is the national standard as established by the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto and Conservatory Canada of London, Ontario. Note: All theory group classes are full year courses divided into Fall and Winter term registration.
| Course | Grade | Description |
| Rudiments | Preliminary | Notes, scales, keys, chords and rhythms — all of the groundwork required for writing music. |
| Grade 1 | ||
| Grade 2 | ||
| Introductory Harmony and Composition | Credit Free | This is a non credit course that builds on rudiments in a creative setting to introduce concepts of harmony. Using live performance as well as computer sequencing and notation software, explorations will enlighten how melody, harmony and rhythm all work together to create texture and form. |
| Harmony | Grade 3 | This is the essential course for harmony where all of the foundational thinking about the processes of music composition is established. The style of reference is the Classical style. |
| Harmony | Grade 4 | A continuation of the materials learned in Grade 3 Harmony. The minor mode is thoroughly explored at this level. As well, the process of modulation (changing key) and the use of 7th chords are greatly expanded. |
| Counterpoint | Grade 4 | Counterpoint teaches the art of combining 2 or more melodies within the harmonic framework explored in Harmony 3 and 4. The focus is on the interplay of motives between the 2 melodies. |
| Harmony/Counterpoint | Grade 5 | This third and last level of Harmony shows how the Romantic composers expanded on the style of the Classical composers with special emphasis on chromatic harmony. The Counterpoint portion of the course has the students honing their melody writing skills culminating in the creation of 2-part contrapuntal compositions. |
| Analysis | Grade 5 | This most exciting course offers students an opportunity to apply all of the many written and aural skills they have acquired in Harmony and Counterpoint to the analysis of some of the finest repertoire — Baroque Fugues, Classical Sonatas and Romantic Lieder. Repertoire featuring elements of 20th Century composition is also investigated. |
| History | Grade 3 | This introduction to music history is an overview course covering all historical periods from the Baroque to the 20th Century. |
| History | Grade 4 | This course offers a closer look at the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods. |
| History | Grade 5 | This course offers a closer look at the Romantic era and the 20th Century. It also delves into the history of Canadian music. |
For your information, the following chart shows the Theory Co-Requisites required for each of the Performance grades of the Royal Conservatory and Conservatory Canada.
| Practical Certificates and Diplomas | Theory Co-Requisites |
| Introductory | none |
| Grade 1 | none |
| Grade 2 | none |
| Grade 3 | none |
| Grade 4 | none |
| Grade 5 | Preliminary Rudiments |
| Grade 6 | Grade 1 Rudiments |
| Grade 7 | Grade 2 Rudiments |
| Grade 8 | Grade 2 Rudiments |
| Grade 9 | Grade 3 Harmony (or Grade 3 Keyboard Harmony) Grade 3 History |
| Grade 10 | Grade 4 Harmony (or Grade 4 Keyboard Harmony) Grade 4 History |
| ARCT | Grade 4 Counterpoint Grade 5 Harmony and Counterpoint (or Grade 5 Keyboard Harmony) Grade 5 History Grade 5 Analysis |
Classes vs. private lessons
All courses are offered as classes or as private lessons. Classes are highly recommended as a platform to explore and exchange ideas.
Private lessons are arranged and scheduled with the Music Theory and History Coordinator: e-mail.
2012/2013 Class schedules
Rudiments and Analysis classes are 1 hour. Harmony, Counterpoint and History classes are 1 hour 15 minutes. Class size for all courses, 8 maximum / 4 minimum. All courses begin the first week of September and run for 32 weeks
| Rudiments 1 |
Tuesdays Saturdays |
| Rudiments 2 |
Tuesdays Thursdays Saturdays |
| Harmony 3 |
Tuesdays Wednesdays Saturdays |
| Harmony 4 |
Tuesdays Wednesdays |
| Counterpoint 4 |
Tuesdays |
| Counterpoint 5 |
Thursdays |
| Analysis 5 |
Thursdays |
| History 3 |
Tuesdays Wednesdays |
| History 4 |
Tuesdays |
The History courses use The Enjoyment of Music, Joseph Machlis and Kristine Forney. If you are purchasing a new book, the 9th Edition (chronological version) is preferred. However, any earlier edition can be used.
To register
Register on-line, by calling 403.440.6821, or in person at:
Mount Royal Conservatory
Room W302
4825 Mount Royal Gate SW
Calgary, AB T3E 6K6
For more information
Contact the Conservatory at 403.440.6821, or e-mail the Theory Coordinator.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3E 6K6
403.440.6111
