Grade 1 Music Theory Untangled - For Aspiring Musicians

A clear, step-by-step approach to understanding music theory, ideal for both young learners and adult students.

What you'll learn

Pre-teens, teens, or adults with no formal music background will gain foundational knowledge in reading music, rhythm, pitch, harmony, listening

Students playing any instrument will have prepared for music theory exams like ABRSM, AMEB, CCOM, IMEB, LCME, RCM to satisfy practical exam prerequisites

Students will learn how to decode or analyse pieces of music when listening, and gain the language to describe what they hear using music terms and symbols

Students will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its application in real music-making, especially for beginners.

Students will be able to maximise the use of music software by understanding the terms that are used in the tools and settings

Improve Musical Understanding in how music works. This will help you understand what you are playing or singing, and how pieces are constructed.

Communicate effectively and precisely with others. Terms like “key change,” become tools for efficient rehearsal and collaboration.

Enhance sight-reading and notation skills by recognizing common patterns in music (like intervals, chord progressions, and rhythmic groupings).

Strengthen improvisation and composition abilities by understanding scales, modes, and chord structures which provide a framework for improvising or composing.

Increase confidence and independence to learn pieces more independently, identify and correct mistakes, and make informed interpretations.

Requirements

Curiosity, a love of music, and a willingness to learn.

A pencil and some blank manuscript paper or a printer to print the worksheets.

Headphones or speakers are recommended for the best experience while watching the lecture videos, and during listening and ear training activities.

The experience or ability to play a musical instrument is an advantage but not essential.

Description

What Makes This Course UniqueIf music theory has ever seemed overwhelming or unclear, this course offers a fresh approach. With my guidance, you'll uncover the "why" behind the music—and understand music theory with greater confidence. Expert instruction made accessible – Learn from Jane Stavrinoudis a seasoned piano and theory teacher and examiner with over 40 years of experience in music education and performance.Clear, step-by-step lessons – Every topic is broken down into manageable parts, making it easy to follow and build your skills with confidence.Designed for all levels – Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your knowledge, this course offers valuable insights for every learner.Hands-on learning approach – Engage with practical examples, exercises, and ear training activities that help you apply what you learn right away.Real-world experience – Your instructor is not just an educator but an active musician, arranger, composer, and examiner, bringing real-life musical expertise into every lesson.Who Will Benefit From Studying This Course?1. Performing Musicians (Instrumentalists & Vocalists)Improved sight-reading through understanding key signatures, rhythms, and harmonic progressions.Enhanced interpretive ability, using theory to guide phrasing, dynamics, and articulation.Better ensemble skills by recognizing harmonic roles and rhythmic alignment.2. Composers and SongwritersConstructing melodies and harmonies that are stylistically appropriate and emotionally effective.Writing effective chord progressions, modulations, and cadences.Applying formal structures (e.g., binary, ternary, rondo) to develop coherent pieces.3. Music Producers and ArrangersCreating arrangements that balance harmonic complexity and instrumental voicing.Using scales and modes for diverse melodic or harmonic textures.Crafting counterpoint and textures based on classical and modern idioms.4. Music Students (Academic Path)Passing entrance exams for conservatories or university programs.Completing coursework in music history, analysis, or ear training.Writing analytical essays based on theoretical understanding.5. Educators and ConductorsPreparing lesson plans with sound theoretical grounding.Analysing scores to identify teaching points or performance challenges.Communicating effectively with students and ensembles about theoretical concepts.6. Casual Learners and EnthusiastsUnderstanding favourite pieces more deeply through analysis.Improvising or jamming with greater confidence.Engaging in informed listening, recognizing forms, harmonies, and motifs.7. Examination PreparationGrade 1:  ABRSM, AMEB, ANZCA, CCOM, IMEB, LCME, RCM, or TTCL

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction

Section 2: Videos, Quizzes, Worksheets for Lessons 1 to 9

Lecture 2 Lesson 1 - Notes, Rests, Time Signs

Lecture 3 Lesson 2 - Clefs, Notes, Stems, Barlines, Listening (Duration)

Lecture 4 Lesson 3 - Note Names, Key Signatures, Listening (Duration)

Lecture 5 Lesson 4 - Tones, Semitones, Accidentals, Listening (Duration)

Lecture 6 Lesson 5 - Scales in Major Keys, Listening (Pitch)

Lecture 7 Lesson 6 - Intervals, Listening (Pitch)

Lecture 8 Lesson 7 - Triads, Listening (Pitch)

Lecture 9 Lesson 8 - Transposition, Terms, Signs, Definitions

Lecture 10 Lesson 9 - More Terms, Signs, Definitions

The Grade 1 Music Theory Untangled Course offers a clear, step-by-step approach to understanding music theory concepts, making it ideal for both young learners and adult students on any instrument. The course has easy-to-follow lessons, engaging exercises, quizzes, practical answers, and explanations to establish then strengthen music theory knowledge and deepen understanding of performance. It is also a valuable resource to prepare students who are required to complete a Grade 1 Theory examination as a prerequisite to their practical instrumental examination.,Who is this course for? Those ready to understand how music works—no prior experience required. Self-taught musicians will solidify their understanding of core theory concepts. Players eager to move beyond playing by ear will read, write, and analyse music with confidence. Producers, composers, and songwriters will add structure, clarity, and depth to their creative work. Performers will refine their grasp of harmony, melody, and musical form. Confidently use correct musical terms and terminology. Anyone who’s ever found music theory intimidating and wants to learn in a clear, supportive, and step-by-step environment, this course is for you.,What will learning music theory support? Improve Musical Understanding: Many learners aim to deepen their understanding of how music works—such as harmony, rhythm, and structure—enabling more informed performance, composition, or analysis. Enhance Practical Skills: Those involved in playing instruments, composing, or arranging often seek to improve sight-reading, transposition, and improvisational skills through theoretical knowledge. Support Creative Work: Composers and producers use theory to make creative decisions with greater control and intentionality. Facilitate Communication: Understanding theoretical language helps musicians communicate more effectively with peers, especially in collaborative or instructional contexts.,Grade 1 Music Theory Untangled is a comprehensive introduction to the essential building blocks of written music, designed to make sense of core concepts like rhythm, pitch, scales, intervals, chords, and key signatures. Covering everything from note values and clefs to transposition and musical analysis, the course brings clarity to the rules and language of music. By building a solid foundation, students gain the confidence to read, understand, and apply music theory in both academic and practical settings.