Music Theory

Every great musician has a few “aha!” moments when music suddenly starts to make sense and that’s exactly what happens in TYSA Music Theory classes!

Students learn to recognize patterns, understand the music they’re playing, strengthen their ears, and build skills that make rehearsals, lessons, and performances even more rewarding. Best of all, our classes are interactive, engaging, and designed to help students feel more confident as musicians.

Whether your student is just getting started or is already an experienced musician looking for the next challenge, TYSA Music Theory helps students reach the next level. Beginning musicians build a strong foundation, while advanced students develop the harmonic understanding, listening skills, and musical insight that set exceptional performers apart. The better musicians understand music, the faster they learn new pieces, the more confidently they perform, and the more expressive they become.

Unlock the “why” behind the music and register for TYSA Music Theory today!

Music Theory Classes

Music Theory 1: Foundations of Musical Literacy                                      
11:00-11:50am
Instructor: Dr. Loma Cobbs

Music Theory 1 introduces students to the fundamental building blocks of music in a fun, engaging, and interactive environment. Students learn to read and write music with confidence while exploring rhythm, pitch, scales, key signatures and basic musical terminology. Through games, listening activities, and hands-on exercises, students develop the musical literacy needed to become more confident performers and prepare for continued study in Music Theory 2.

Open to all TSS and TASO students.

Music Theory 2: Building Musical Fluency 
12:30-1:30pm
Instructor: Dr. Loma Cobbs

Music Theory 2 builds on the foundations established in Music Theory 1 by deepening students’ understanding of rhythm, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, and musical notation. Through continued ear training, written exercises, listening activities, and musical exploration, students strengthen their fluency in the language of music while developing the confidence and musicianship needed for more advanced theoretical study and ensemble performance.

Open to all TYSB and TYP students.

Music Theory 3: Developing Harmonic Thinking  
12:45-1:45pm
Instructor: Dr. Anna Jensen

Music Theory 3 introduces students to the essential harmonic and structural elements that shape the music they perform. Through the study of scales, modes, intervals, triads, basic chord progressions, and harmonic function, students begin to understand how melodies and harmonies work together to create musical expression. Listening activities, score study, ear training, and written exercises help students make meaningful connections between theory and performance while developing the analytical skills and musical understanding needed for advanced ensemble playing and continued study.

All TYO students and TYS students who have not taken theory 3.

Music Theory 4: Listening in Art, Music, Culture and Society 
12:45-1:45pm
Instructor: Dr. James O. Welsch

Designed for highly motivated musicians preparing for collegiate study or seeking a deeper understanding of music, this seminar-style course explores the rich relationships between music, history, culture, literature, philosophy, and the visual arts. Building upon students’ theoretical foundation, the course examines harmonic language, form, orchestration, and score analysis through the study of significant musical works from a variety of styles and traditions. Through discussion, listening, research, and interdisciplinary exploration, students will discover not only how music is constructed, but why it continues to shape—and be shaped by—the world around us. In short, this is less about mastering more rules and more about becoming a well-rounded, intellectually curious musician.

All TYS students and TYO students who have completed theory 3.

Unsure of which class is best for you?  Email Marie Hoffman at education@tysamusic.org and she will work with the Music Theory team to find the perfect class for you!

Class Tuition

$205 for approximately twenty-four classes (September–April)

Instructors

Dr. Loma Cobbs: Music Theory 1, Music Theory 2
Dr. Anna Jensen: Music Theory 3
Dr. James Welsch: Music Theory 4