The Music Theory & Composition program is designed to create a working knowledge of written theory and aural skills that will improve the students’ capacity to understand and perform music at a higher level.  The program features an Intermediate and Advanced Theory course available to Debut Orchestra and Concert Orchestra students, respectively.  Please see the course descriptions below. 

CYSO’s new Composition Seminar, available to qualified Symphony Orchestra and Concert Orchestra students is designed to help student composers develop improvisation and listening skills, the basics of score analysis, and provide a foundation of Modern Music History comprehension. 

Enrollment in Music Theory supports understanding of musical concepts in rehearsals, thereby broadening the students’ potential for growth.

Advanced Theory:   Saturdays, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Available to Concert Orchestra Students.

Fall 10 Curriculum
∙    Part writing
∙    Hymn tune analysis
∙    Secondary chords
∙    Complex forms and cadences
∙    Rhythm
∙    Solfege and aural training

Spring 11 Curriculum
∙    Score study
∙    Introduction to 20th Century Music
∙    Improvisation
∙    Composition technique and process
∙    Composition projects

Intermediate Theory:   Saturdays, 12:30 - 1:30pm
Available to Debut Orchestra Students.

Fall 10 Curriculum
∙    Circle of fifths
∙    Intervals
∙    Triads and inversions
∙    Minor and diminished triads
∙    Transposition
∙    Cadences and phrases
∙    Solfege and aural training
 
Spring 11 Curriculum
∙    Primary triads in major keys
∙    Using chord tones and non-chord tones
∙    Writing and original melody
∙    Creating an accompaniment
∙    Simple chord progressions
∙    Forms
∙    Score study
∙    Solfege and aural training
∙    Composition projects
 

Composition Seminar:   Saturdays, 3:30 - 4:30pm
Available to qualified Concert Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra Students.

Fall 10 Curriculum
 ∙    Improvisation
∙    Listening
∙    Score Analysis
∙    Modern Music History
∙    Chamber Music Recital
∙    Four ½ Hour Private Lessons    1)  Chamber Piece    2)  Compositional Process

Spring 11 Curriculum
∙    Listening
∙    Score Analysis
∙    Modern Music History
∙    Orchestra Reading Session
∙    Four ½ Hour Private Lessons    1)  Short Orchestra Piece        2) Reproduction and Parts