Comments on: Making it Through College Music Theory

By: Joshua

Joshua — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:01:50 +0000

I cannot possibly overemphasize the need for students to memorize the circle of fifths as early in the process as possible.

By: MajoringInMusic

MajoringInMusic — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 21:39:36 +0000

In reply to Susan. Thank you for your input!

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 01:44:17 +0000

I was a double major in music history and music theory, and did an M.M. in music theory. It was taught as a branch of physics. Of the original seven liberal arts, the triduum and quadrivium, music is in the quadrivuum, grouped with astronomy, mathematics and geometry. I think students should understand that math is a big part of the major.

By: Al Clifft

Al Clifft — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:07:02 +0000

This is a very good evaluation and overview of what happens in the music theory classroom. It also gives some practical advice to prospective music students. I have taught music theory since 1972 and highly recommend students have a working knowledge of the keyboard and be fluent in reading bass and treble clef. Having key signatures memorized is a worthy goal as well.

Can a student succeed as a music major without the skills mentioned? Yes, but it is rare and possible. It will take a tremendous amount of dedication to the basics. There are so many tools available, some of which have been mentioned in Dr. Clifft’s article. I applaud the clarity in which the article is presented and will be presenting this to my classes.