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Write Like Mozart: An Introduction to Classical Music Composition

Approx. 15 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn the principles of classical composition and develop your own unique voice in this course. You'll explore the techniques used by classical composers and gain a deeper understanding of music theory.

Key Learning Points

Learn the fundamentals of classical composition
Develop your own unique voice
Understand the techniques used by classical composers

Learning Outcomes

Develop a deeper understanding of classical composition
Create your own compositions
Gain a unique voice in your compositions

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of music theory
Ability to read sheet music

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video lectures
Assignments

Similar Courses

Jazz Composition
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Related Education Paths

Music Composition Certification

Related Books

Description

This course introduces students to strategies for style writing of common practice European art music. The issues of harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture are addressed in addition to relevant compositional concepts like repetition, variation, and elaboration. The course aims to offer a creative space even within the restrictions of stylistic emulation.

Outline

Module One
Lesson 0 - Introduction
Lesson 1 - Chords
Lesson 2 Part 1 - Voicing
Lesson 2 Part 2 - Voicing Practice
Lesson 3 - Basic Progressions
Lesson 4 - Voice Leading
Lesson 5 Part 1 - Voice Leading with the Common Tone Approach (I-V-I and I-IV-I)
Lesson 5 Part 2 - Voice Leading Without Common Tones (I-V-I and I-IV-I)
Lesson 5 Part 3 - Resolution of the V7 Chord
Lesson 5 Part 4 - Voice Leading From IV-V
Lesson 5 Part 5 - Voice Leading With Chords that Have a Mediant Relationship
Lesson 6 - Texture Types
Lesson 7 - Voice Leading Practice Part 1
Lesson 7 - Voice Leading Practice Part 2
Pre-Course Survey
Syllabus
Reference Materials
Manuscript Paper
Self-Assessment
Quiz 1

Module Two
Lesson 0 - Inversion Notation
Lesson 1 Part 1 - Progressions with Inversions
Lesson 1 Part 2 - Progressions with Inversions
Lesson 2 - More Voice Leading
Lesson 3 - Using Inversions (A Demonstration)
Lesson 4 - Keyboard Voicing
Lesson 5 - Creating Accompaniment
Lesson 6 - Textural Reduction
Lesson 7 - Reversing Schubert
Self-Assessment 1
Self-Assessment 2
Quiz 2

Module Three
Lesson 1 - Circle of Fifths Progressions
Lesson 2 - Descending 5-6 Progressions
Lesson 3 - Parallel Sixth Progressions
Lesson 4 - Analysis: Mozart, Piano Sonata, K. 545, i
Lesson 5 - Analysis: Beethoven, Piano Sonata, op. 109, i
Lesson 6 - Analysis: Mozart, Piano Sonata, K. 279, iii
Lesson 7 - Analysis: Mozart, Piano Sonata, K. 533, iii
Lesson 8 - Non-chord Tones (NCTs)
Lesson 9 - Using NCTs with Sequential Progressions - Part 1
Lesson 10 - Using NCTs with Sequential Progressions - Part 2
Lesson 11 - Using NCTs with Sequential Progressions - Part 3
Self-Assessment

Module Four
Lesson 1 - Diatonic Substitutions
Lesson 2 - Diatonic Substitutions 2: Substituting IV with ii
Lesson 3 - Diatonic Substitutions 3: The V-vi Progressions
Lesson 4 - Cadences
Lesson 5 - Analysis: Beethoven: Piano Sonata, op. 2, no. 3, ii
Lesson 6 - Period Form
Lesson 7 Part 1 - Melodic Writing
Lesson 7 Part 2 - Melodic Writing
Lesson 7 Part 3 - Melodic Writing
Self-Assessment
Quiz 3

Module Five
Lesson 1 - Chromatic Substitutions: The Neapolitan 6 Chord
Lesson 2 - Analysis: Schubert's Der Müller und der Bach
Lesson 3 - Chromatic Substitutions: Augmented Sixth Chords
Lesson 4 Part 1 - Analysis: Beethoven's Bagatelle, op. 119, no I
Lesson 4 Part 2 - Analysis: Beethoven's Bagatelle, op. 119, no I
Lesson 5 - Chromatic Substitutions: Borrowed Chords
Lesson 6 Part 1 - Simple 2-Voice Counterpoint
Lesson 6 Part 2 - Simple 2-Voice Counterpoint
Lesson 7 Part 1 - Guided Practice in Counterpoint
Lesson 7 Part 2 - Guided Practice in Counterpoint
Self-Assessment

Module Six
Lesson 1 - Progressions within Progressions: an Introduction (9:44)
Lesson 2 - Progressions within Progressions: Examples (13:53)
Lesson 3 - Progressions within Progressions: Secondary Leading Tone Chords (6:17)
Lesson 4 - The Alberti Bass (7:09)
Lesson 5 - Elaborating Progressions (15:15)
Lesson 6 Part 1 - Analysis: Mozart's K. 331
Lesson 6 Part 2 - Analysis: Mozart's K. 331
Lesson 6 Part 3 - Analysis: Mozart's K. 331
Lesson 7 - Guided Practice with Alberti Bass
Outro Message
Post-Course Survey

Summary of User Reviews

Students praise Classical Composition for its comprehensive coverage of classical music theory and composition techniques. Many found the course to be challenging but rewarding, with excellent instructor feedback and a supportive community of fellow learners.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course covers a wide range of classical music theory and composition techniques in detail, making it an excellent resource for aspiring composers.

Pros from User Reviews

Excellent instructor feedback
Comprehensive coverage of classical music theory and composition techniques
Supportive community of fellow learners
Challenging but rewarding course content

Cons from User Reviews

Some students found the course content to be overwhelming
The workload can be quite heavy at times
Not suitable for beginners or those without a strong musical background

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