Theory and Musicianship

Music Theory provides a language for talking about music and an understanding of how it works. Studying theory helps to develop rhythm, ear training, reading, composition and many other skills. (more here about musicianship)
Group class tuition is reduced by 50% for those students currently taking private lessons at CMC.

Creative Expression and Injury Prevention for Musicians
Ear Training
Introduction to Music Notation and Reading
Music Theory I
Music Theory II
Music Theory: Variable Topics
Introduction to Music Reading - Summer only
Intermediate Music Theory - Summer only
Composition Workshop - Summer only

Creative Expression & Injury Prevention For Musicians
Our body is our instrument. How we use it influences the quality of our movements and the sound we make with our voices and our musical instruments. This group class uses Body-Mind Centering(R) and Feldenkrais (R) methods to facilitate creative expression. It is an inquiry into the relationship between the body and the mind through movement, guided attention and non-verbal dialogue. This work can create fertile ground for new performance material and improvisation. In the process students may find improvements in breathing, tone, coordination and technical proficiency as well as prevent and rehabilitate injuries. Students should bring their instruments if they have one and a piece of music to play or compose at the end of each class. For more information, visit: www.bodymindcentering.com and www.feldenkrais.com

Ages: Teens, adults
Instrument: Any
Prerequisites: None
Location: Location TBA
Register at the Mission District Branch
Day and Time: Thursdays, 6:30-8pm
Instructor: Sonja Riket
Tuition:
Fall/Winter/Spring Quarter (12 wks.) $330
Summer Quarter (8 wks.) $220
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
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Ear Training
Ear training is an important part of your development as a musician. It links theory with living music and helps you recognize intervals, root movements, melodic phrases, musical form and rhythm. This is important for all musicians but for singers and improvisers it is essential. But it’s good for everything…it’s especially good with fruit salad. The biggest goal of this class is to get students well on their way to recognizing chord progressions and song forms. Erik Walker’s unique use of theory along with ear training techniques through class demonstrations, take-home CDs and online programs makes for an enjoyable and stimulating musical experience.

Ages: Older teens, adults
Instruments: All
Style of music studied: Not applicable
Prerequisites: Knowledge of scales, key signatures, and basic chords; Music Theory I; and/or instructor’s consent.
Class size: 4-8 students
Location: Mission District Branch
Day and Time: Thursdays from 7-8pm
Instructor: Erik Ian Walker
Tuition:
Fall/Winter/Spring Quarter (12 wks.) $330
Summer Quarter (8 wks.) $220
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMc receive 50% discount.
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Introduction to Music Reading – Summer only
Learn to read music or improve your basic reading skills in this supportive, hands-on class. Introduction to Music Reading focuses on the following topics:
Treble and Bass Clef Note Identification
Note Values and Rhythms
Time Signatures Repeat Symbols and Other Performance InstructionsThis energetic class is a combination of short lectures, discussion and activities such as clapping and vocalizing. Weekly homework is assigned and course-related materials are included and provided in class.
Ages: Teens only
Instruments: Any (none used in class)
Styles of music studied: Varied
Prerequisites: This class is for teenage beginners or those who want a refresher on their basic reading skills. It is open to both instrumentalists and vocalists.
Class size: 2-10 students
Locations, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Thursdays, 6:15-7:45pm.
Meets Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21 and 28.
Instructor: Jono Kornfeld
Tuition: Summer Quarter (8 wks.) $216.
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMc receive 50% discount.
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Introduction to Music Notation and Reading
Whether you are a complete beginner, or trying to remember what you studied years ago, this class will get you up to speed by covering the basics of notation and reading, including rhythms, time signatures, repeat symbols and other performance instructions. Classes will encourage participation and incorporate discussion, sight-reading exercises, weekly homework reviews and occasional composing. Materials designed specifically for this course are free and available for download online, including Jono’s book “Music Theory and Notation for Intelligent Beginners.”

Ages: Teens, adults
Instruments: Any (none used in class)
Styles of music studied: Varied
Prerequisites: None
Class size:2-10 students
Locations, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Thursdays, 6:15-7pm OR
Richmond District Branch, Saturdays, 9-9:45am
Alternates quarters with Music Theory I and II, and Music Theory: Variable Topics, depending on enrollment.
Instructor: Jono Kornfeld
Tuition:
Fall/Winter/Spring Quarter (12 wks.) $330
Summer Quarter (8 wks.) $220.
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMc receive 50% discount.
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Intermediate Music Theory - Summer only
This class is a continuation of Introduction to Music Reading. Essential elements of music theory are covered including:
Scales
Key Signatures
Intervals
Chords
Simple Musical Forms
Classes will be a mixture of lecture, listening and discussion where participation is encouraged. Weekly homework is assigned and course-related materials are included and provided in class.

Ages: Teens only
Instrument: Any (none used in class)
Styles of music studied: Various
Prerequisites: This class is for teenage students who have basic understanding of music notation. Consent from the instructor is required. It is open to both instrumentalists and vocalists.
Class size:2-10 students
Locations, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Thursdays, 6:15-7:45pm.
Meets Thursdays, August 4, 11, 18 and 25.
Instructor: Jono Kornfeld
Tuition:
Summer Quarter (8 wks.) $216.
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMc receive 50% discount.
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Music Theory I
If you have a basic knowledge of music notation, this class will further your understanding of musical components and structures. Topics will include scales, key signatures, the circle of 5ths, overtones, intervals and chords as they relate to all styles of music. Classes will be seminar-style and there will be weekly homework assignments. Materials designed specifically for this course are free and available for download online, including Jono’s book “Music Theory and Notation for Intelligent Beginners.”

Ages: Teens, adults
Instrument: Any (none used in class)
Styles of music studied: Various
Prerequisites: Introduction to Music Notation and Reading and/or instructor’s consent
Class size: 2-10 students
Locations, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Thursdays, 7-7:45pm OR
Richmond District Branch, Saturdays, 9-9:45am
Alternates quarters with Introduction to Music Notation and Reading, Music Theory II, and Music Theory: Variable Topics, depending on enrollment.
Instructor: Jono Kornfeld
Tuition:
Fall/Winter/Spring Quarter (12 wks.) $330
Summer Quarter (8 wks.) $220
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMc receive 50% discount.
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Music Theory II
This class continues the work begun in Music Theory I and follows the same format. Topics will include chord inversions, 7th chords, melody construction, combining melody and harmony, simple structures and forms as they relate to all styles of music. Materials designed specifically for this course are free and available for download online, including Jono’s book “Music Theory and Notation for Intelligent Beginners.”

Ages: Teens, adults
Instruments: Any (none used in class)
Styles of music studied: Various
Prerequisites: Familiarity with music notation and music theory at a level comparable with Music Theory I and/or instructor’s consent
Class size: 2-10 students
Locations, Days and Times:
Mission District Branch, Thursdays, 7:45-8:30pm
Alternates quarters with Music Theory: Variable Topics, depending on enrollment.
OR Richmond District Branch, Saturdays, 9-9:45am
Alternates quarters with Music Theory: Variable Topics, depending on enrollment.
Instructor: Jono Kornfeld
Tuition:
Fall/Winter/Spring Quarter (12 wks.) $330
Summer Quarter (8 wks.) $220
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMc receive 50% discount.
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Composition Workshop - Summer only
Learn how to capture your musical ideas by developing compositions from start to finish. This hands-on class explores general composition methods through a series of short exercises. Class meetings are a mixture of lectures and review of student work in a group setting. Students can compose for their own instrument (including voice) and are encouraged to perform their works when possible.

Ages: Teens, adults
Instruments: Any (none used in class)
Styles of music studied: Various
Prerequisites: Students should have knowledge of music notation, but notated assignments and compositions are not required. No specific level of music theory knowledge is required; students are encouraged to compose at whatever level they feel comfortable.
Class size: Because of the participatory nature of the class, the size is limited to six students.
Locations, Days and Times:
Mission District Branch, Thursdays, 7:45-8:30pm
Instructor: Jono Kornfeld
Tuition:
Summer Quarter (8 wks.) $216
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMc receive 50% discount.
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Music Theory: Variable Topics
Usually offered in the summer quarter, this class will follow the same format as Music Theory I and II. Course content will vary each quarter and may cover such topics as: advanced theory (a continuation of Theory II), beginning jazz theory, modern music, pop music, and basic composition. Interested students should contact the instructor in the quarter prior to when the course will be offered to learn more about the proposed content. Course materials will be available in class.

Ages: Teens, adults
Instruments: Any (none used in class)
Styles of music studied: Classical, Jazz, Modern, other
Prerequisites: Vary according to topic
Class size: 2-10 students
Locations, Days and Times:
Mission District Branch, Thursdays, 7:45-8:30pm
Alternates quarters with Music Theory II depending on enrollment.
OR Richmond District Branch, Saturdays, 9-9:45am
Instructor: Jono Kornfeld
Tuition:
Fall/Winter/Spring Quarter (12 wks.) $330
Summer Quarter (8 wks.) $220
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMc receive 50% discount.