Music Theory is usually a scary phrase, but learning about how music functions and how to apply this knowledge is essential if you want to become a good musician. The course will roughly follow the AMEB syllabus, but incorporates many other examples not usually provided in the course. As you progress through each lessons, you will learn all the fundamental principals required to understand music, write music, read music and progress on your chosen instrument. Whether you are a singer, guitarist, drummer or any instrumentalist, this course will improve your musicality and playing. At the end of each grade, you may have the opportunity to do your formal grading through A.M.E.B. Check out their website for more information on this, or alternatively contact us. 

We have added many example to help you learn through this course, most of which are not available through the study books or other sources. We have attempted to provide the most comprehensive system to learn and understand music.  If you have any suggestions or questions please contact us.

There are also many topics covered by this theory course that are outside of the standard theory course. These have been added with the aim to make the student as musical as possible. There are real world applications that you will come across and the additional knowledge will be become invaluable. If your aim is to only complete the grading then you can skip these extra lessons, but it is recommended that you complete them so there are no gaps in your knowledge. The extra lessons are marked where appropriate. 

Music Theory Grades

Grade 1 introduces basic concepts of notes, rhythms, sight reading, major scales, intervals, triads, transposition, musical terms and symbols. We will investigate the starting place for all these topics and complete the grade with a concise summary.
Grade 2 will be coming very soon.

A.M.E.B. theory course

The Australian Music Education Board has been providing a brilliant study course for music theory for many years.  The course material takes a student through from a place of little or no knowledge of music, to a high level of understanding of a huge array of topics.  The topics include
  • Reading Music
  • Scales - Major, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Natural / Relative Minor, Chromatic and others
  • Intervals
  • Chords and Triads
  • Transposition
  • Composition
  • Vocal arrangement and harmonisation
  • Piano arrangement
  • String section composition and arrangement
  • Brass section composition and arrangement
  • Woodwind section composition and arrangement 
  • Song Writing
  • Music Terms and Symbols
  • Song Structure
The course is broken down into separate grades. Master the Art will provide a detailed guide to this course, providing you with the knowledge to not only pass the course with a high distinction, but on how to apply the knowledge gained to everyday situations. Click on the following links to take you to each course and the various units of study in each. After completing each grade, be sure to download the summary page which will become your notes for study. The course includes many examples that may not be required knowledge to pass the grade, but have been included to ensure your understanding. AMEB provided seven grades of music theory, so Master the Art have followed this outline and broken the course into seven sections.
Check out the AMEB website for more information.
Each lesson will present the information, then allow you the opportunity to answer the questions on the accompanying worksheet. Then you will be guided through the answers to check your understanding.

There are many great series of books available to help you through the course. Some of these include "Master Your Theory" by Dulcie Holland, the "How to Blitz your Theory" series by Samantha Coates, and "Essential Music Theory" by Gordon Spearritt. The books are readily available through local music stores in Australia, and also online through Amazon and other websites.