Lessons & Classes

Classes run 32 weeks and students are expected to register for both semesters. Spring enrollment is usually for continuing students only. New students desiring to enter in the Spring should contact Elijah Wirth to determine their placement options.

Upon receipt of the registration form and fee, the student will be contacted by the Preparatory Office to schedule a placement interview. Students who have studied theory previously outside of Peabody will be asked to complete theory exercises during the placement interview to determine which class is most appropriate. Once placed, students will receive notification of the lesson day, time, location, and teacher. In some cases, theory classes may not be the most appropriate option. In these cases, the Preparatory does offer individual instruction in theory.

Placement: Saturday, August 25, 2012, 12:00-2:00 pm, L119

Basic Musicianship (Ages 8-12)

A musicianship class where the student expresses himself musically with his body as the primary instrument. Throughout the class, the aim is to improve coordination, control, balance, attention, flexibility, focus, spatial awareness and emotional knowledge. Musical concepts include rhythm, meter, ear-training, vocalizing and expression. Information about the purchase of the required textbook will be given during the first class meeting. This class is designed to occur over a three-year sequence. Minimum of six students.

Basic Musicianship 1

Basic Musicianship 2

Basic Musicianship 3

New Student? Request information or Register

Ear Training (Ages 11-17)

A class where emphasis is placed on the skills of reading and hearing music. Ear-training classes at all levels include melodic exercises sung and performed using solfége syllables and on instruments, keyboard skills, rhythmic training, melodic dictation and improvisation. Information about the purchase of the required textbook will be given during the first class meeting. This class is designed to occur over a three-year sequence. Minimum of six students.

Ear Training 1

Ear Training 2

Ear Training 3

New Student? Request information or Register

Music Theory Fundamentals (Ages 14 and up)

An introduction to the reading and writing of music. Elements of music notation and terminology, scale formation, key signatures, triads and their inversions, and an introduction to the keyboard are all covered. Information about the purchase of the required course textbook will be given during the first class meeting. Minimum of six students.

New Student? Request information or Register

Accelerated Music Theory Fundamentals (Ages 14 and up)

An accelerated section of Music Theory Fundamentals that completes the course in one semester. Included is the introduction to the reading of music in multiple clefs. Elements of music notation and terminology, scale formation, key signatures, triads and their inversions, seventh chords and an introduction to the keyboard are all covered. An additional non-refundable online servicing fee will be charged per semester. Registration for this class is by instructor approval only. Please contact Elijah Wirth at ewirth2@jhmi.edu if you are interested in registering for this class.

New Student? Request information or Register

Harmony (Ages 14 and up)

This class provides a study of diatonic harmony as it pertains to classical music. Topics include voice leading, harmonic progression, melody harmonzation, four-part choral writing and non-chord tones. This is an excellent beginner class for students interested in composition. Information about the purchase of the required course textbook will be given during the first class meeting. Registration for this class requires completion of Music Theory Fundamentals or prior instructor approval. Minimum of six students.

New Student? Request information or Register

Form and Analysis (Ages 14 and up)

This class provides a study of musical genre and style as it pertains to the harmony and design of a composition. Music history and geographical origins will be discussed at length. Compositions that students are currently performing will be used as a portion of the course material. This is an excellent class for students who want to find out more about the pieces they are performing. Information about the purchase of the required course textbook will be given during the first class meeting. Registration for this class requires completion of Music Theory Fundamentals or prior instructor approval. Minimum of six students.

New Student? Request information or Register

Music Theory Fundamentals for Adults (Ages 18 and up)

This music theory seminar is for adults who would like to learn music theory. All levels and expectations are welcome. Class is designed for students to move at their own pace and direct their own course of study. No prior study of theory is necessary for enrollment. Information about the purchase of the required course textbook will be given during the first class meeting. Minimum of six students.

New Student? Request information or Register

Online: Accelerated Music Theory Fundamentals for Adults (Ages 18 and up)

An online section of Music Theory Fundamentals for adults that completes the course in one semester. Included is the introduction to the reading of music in multiple clefs. Elements of music notation and terminology, scale formation, key signatures, triads and their inversions, seventh chords and an introduction to the keyboard are all covered. An additional non-refundable online servicing fee will be charged per semester. Registration for this class is by instructor approval only. Please contact Elijah Wirth at ewirth2@jhmi.edu if you are interested in registering for this class.

New Student? Request information or Register

Individual Instruction

Although it is preferred that Music Theory be studied in the group class setting, individual instruction is also offered for children and adults in need of special placement where group class instruction is not appropriate. If, at the placement interview scheduled by the Preparatory Office, it is determined that group class placement is not possible, the student will be placed with a teacher for individual instruction. 

Individual instruction is available to children and adults of all experience levels—from beginners through the most advanced levels of study. Lessons are scheduled on an individual basis and are contingent upon teacher availability.

Students enrolled in individual instruction are required to have a practice instrument available.

Students will also have opportunities to participate in recitals, repertoire and master classes, and either of our music certificate programs. In addition, all Preparatory students receive one free admission (and a discount on one additional ticket) to most Peabody Institute concerts.

Tuition is based on a 16-week semester and must be paid in both fall and spring for each semester. We do not prorate tuition for late registration.

New Student? Request information or Register