Key to Songs

MTH2283.01
Course System Home Terms Fall 2025 Key to Songs

Course Description

Summary

An intermediate review of theory based on a broad range of pop, classical, and jazz songs from the last centuries and from across the world. We鈥檒l start with a primer on scales, intervals, and basic chordal moves such as the rhythm changes, then progress to chromaticism, modulation, and extended triadic harmonies. Students will compose songs in a variety of styles, but also be asked to source their own playlist for inspiration and analysis. Students must have a decent fluency in notation (check with me), and be willing to tackle in-depth harmonic analyses and aural transcriptions, as well as be eager to compose and perform new songs.

Learning Outcomes

  • 1. To be able to hear and analyze intermediate to advanced harmonic concepts.
  • 2. To be able to understand harmony in historical context and across a broad range of styles.
  • 3. To be able to incorporate new harmonic ideas into one's own compositional work

Instructor

  • Nicholas Brooke

Day and Time

MO 10:00am-11:50am

Delivery Method

Fully in-person

Length of Course

Full Term

Academic Term

Fall 2025

Area of Study

Credits

2

Course Level

2000

Maximum Enrollment

16

Course Frequency

Every 2-3 years