Music Theory Lessons

MUSIC THEORY!

The Christchurch School of Music is one of New Zealand’s greatest musical treasures, and we’re always on the hunt for new students – no matter your age or experience! We are taking enrolments now.

Is it time to change yours or your child’s life with music?

Music theory helps you get the most out of your instrument and your music listening. As students’ practical skills increase it is important to understand not just how – but what, when, and why!

Music Theory is important!
Learning theory alongside practical lessons helps students gain an appreciation of the music they’re playing and the context in which it was written. In the early stages of learning, lessons focus on reading and decoding the language of music. As students progress, classes focus more on giving students a better understanding of the elements of music and how they combine to convey musical ideas.

Advanced classes teach students about music history as well as discovering the essentials of musical arranging and composing.

Theory Exams
Exams can be a good motivational tool or record of a student’s progress. For these reasons, many students choose to sit exams as they progress on an instrument.

CSM students are welcome to sit exams as they wish, but our theory classes do not require you to sit an exam to progress. Go at your own pace, and sit exams when, and if, you want to! Students choosing to sit practical exams past grade 5 will need to sit theory exams before each grade. For example, someone wishing to sit a grade 6 practical exam will need to have passed grade 5 theory first.

INDIVIDUAL LESSONS

Learn one-on-one with a tutor for 20, 30, 45 or 60 minutes – you choose!

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GROUP LESSONS

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Fun Theory

Because we believe theory is important, CSM has developed Fun Theory for students just starting out on their musical journey. This class aims to teach students theory through the use of games in order to ensure that their early exposure to theory is fun and exciting . Students will be introduced to basic notation, the staff, simple rhythms and aural skills through a mixture of musical learning theories including Orff and Kodaly methods along with Music Mind Games. Although primarily aimed at children, adults are more than welcome to join in with these classes.

Because Fun Theory is taught in groups it is considered an ensemble. Please look under Ensembles for fee information.

Theory 1

An extension of the skills learned in Fun Theory, this class introduces key signatures, scales, ear training, musical terms, orchestral instruments and composers through a variety of activities. It is suitable for all musicians in their 2nd or 3rd year of learning their instrument. The content covered in this class is based on the Grade 1 & 2 theory exams.

Theory 2

Students working towards grade 3 & 4 theory should enrol in Theory 2 where they will expand their knowledge of musical terms, learn complex rhythms and time signatures, be introduced to the alto clef, transposition of melodies and will begin looking at simple chords.

Grade 5 Theory

Many students in this class will be working towards an exam at the end of the year, although this is not mandatory. Grade 5 theory introduces the tenor clef and basic melody writing. At this level students will be gaining a broader musical perspective with a focus on instruments and instrument families, more complex writing tasks, transposition and the ability to show a broader understanding by beginning to analyze actual music.

Beyond Grade 5

Due to the small number of students continuing with theory beyond grade 5, we are unable to offer scheduled classes however students may still enroll in individual or paired lessons. Classes beyond grade 5 will be individually tailored to meet the needs of the students and will be scheduled at a time organised by the office. Students looking to sit NCEA or theory exams should enrol for a minimum of one semester as the concepts require regular practice rather than last minute cramming!

Terms & Conditions

Enrolment
It is usual practice for students to enrol for a minimum of one semester (1/2 a year) however we do offer Blocks of 5 or 10 lessons for adult students.
If you are under 18 years of age a parent or guardian will need to sign the enrolment form.

Fees & Payment
Fees for lessons and participation in performing groups can be paid in full before classes start, or in weekly, fortnightly, quarterly or semester installments. As fees are not optional at the Christchurch School of Music, we do require either all or a portion of the fee to be paid in advance of the start of lessons. It is expected that unless fees are paid before the start of the semester, an automatic payment will be set up to cover the remaining fees for the year.
If an agreement is made to pay fees in installments the CSM office will email invoices at the appropriate intervals.
Fees can be paid by internet banking, credit card or cash.
CSM does have some Financial Support available. These monies are reliant on a grant, so can not be guaranteed. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance and have a community services card please indicate this on your enrolment form. Financial Assistance in 2023 will only be available on lesson fees.
As CSM is a small not-for-profit organisation we do need to ensure that fees are paid regularly and promptly. Please contact the office immediately if you have any problems meeting commitments. We do use normal business methods to recover outstanding debt.

Refunds & Cancellations
CSM will refund fees paid in advance if you cancel your lessons before the beginning of a term or semester. However if you are unable to attend lessons part way through a term we will not be able to refund the remaining lessons because your teacher will have been contracted for that time.

Lessons
If you are unable to attend a lesson we cannot guarantee that the missed lessons will be able to be rescheduled. Tutors will endeavour to offer alternative lesson arrangements if they can. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide catch up lessons if you miss a group lesson.
If your teacher is unavailable for a lesson we will endeavour to make up the lesson at a mutually agreed time.

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