LIVE Online Music Application & Theory class

I would recommend classes with Clara. It provides a good way to get back into the swing of learning in the summer while supplementing the work we do on our own as musicians.

- Elisabeth Siena, Berklee College of Music Class of '25

LIVE Online Music Application & Theory class

This is a four credit course at Berklee. Learning the materials ahead of time will allow you to gain the skills and knowledge to confidently sit the ESPA, and you will hopefully start in Harmony 2 at Berklee.

Music Application and Theory (MAT) is the first of four mandatory music theory/harmony classes at Berklee College of Music. Upon entering the College, students can test into any of the four classes, with the most advanced class being Harmony 4. This class also serves as a solid introduction to Jazz harmony for serious music students.

This course is currently closed for enrollment. If you're interested in joining our next session in July 2024, let me know by email at [email protected].

The Details

- EIGHT 1.5 hour classes at 8:00-9:30pm Eastern Time (7:00pm Central, 6:00pm Mountain and 5:00pm Pacific). Classes meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays: June 3, June 5, June 8, June 10, June 12, June 15, June 17, June 19.

- THREE 1 hour "office hour" sessions at 8:00-9:00pm Eastern Time. Office hours are on Fridays: June 7, June 14, June 21. This is a time where you can drop in and ask 1:1 questions.

- Total contact time: 15 hours.

- This is an accelerated class. Be prepared to do 1-2 hours of homework between classes.

- $450 per person, early bird pricing of $400.

- Ages 16 and above, minimum of five students.

- Google meets link will be provided upon registration.

- Prerequisites: you must be able to read music. Test yourself here. If you can get 80% or higher, you can join the class!

​- The purchase of this textbook and this textbook is mandatory.

- Can't make certain classes? That's okay. I will upload a recording of every class.

- Please read terms and conditions here. By signing up for the class, you agree to the terms and conditions.

- Satisfaction guarantee: if you are not satisfied, you may re-take the course again for free! Please read terms and conditions for details.

- Class size is limited. Sign up and secure your spot now!

These will be the topics introduced during our class:

• Pitch and notation review
• Major scales
• Key signatures
• Circle of 5ths (major and minor)
• Natural and other minor scales
• Parallel minors
• Pentatonic scales (major and minor)
• Modes, relative and parallel
• Intervals of major scales
• Compound intervals
• Introduction to non tertian triads
• Chord symbols (Berklee-specific notation)
• Diatonic triads in major and natural minor keys, inversions
• Introduction to voice leading
• 7th chords, tensions and avoid notes
• Harmonic function and analysis
• Aeolian modal harmony and modal interchange
• Blues
• Melodic concepts/analysis
• Beat, meter, measure and tempo
• Compound meters
• Imaginary bar line
• Phrase, section and song form
• Writing for the rhythm section (a bit of crossover with arranging)