Music Theory Syllabus
Aims of this syllabus
-
To
offer a structured and comprehensive method of studying the theory
of popular music which is relevant to the practical needs of the
modern day musician.
-
To
set worthwhile and well-defined standards for students of popular
music theory, by providing a reliable system of assessing progress.
-
To
offer formal recognition of the musical knowledge of musicians in
the field of popular music by the award of internationally
recognised qualifications.
-
To
value the language and notation systems of contemporary popular
music and reflecting the fact that expertise in the use of
traditional notation is not the highest priority in this field.
- To
encourage the practical application of theoretical knowledge,
particularly with regard to composition and improvisation.
- To
encourage the academic study of popular music, including a knowledge
of: the use of instruments and technology; performers, history,
development and range of styles.
Subject Areas
The
examination syllabus aims to particularly recognise and evaluate the
following:
- A knowledge of scales, keys, chords and intervals.
- A
knowledge of rhythmic notation.
- A
knowledge of the performers, instrumentation, history, development
and different genres of popular music.
- An
understanding of popular music harmony and its application, with
specific emphasis on the composition of chord progressions and the
application of scales in improvisation.
- An
understanding of transposition with regard to both chords and
melodies.
