The Maritime Conservatory for Performing Arts is a one-stop destination for instruction in all genres and forms of Music Theory, offering Music Theory classes and private instruction of all levels for all ages.
At the Conservatory we support a well-rounded music education and Music Theory is a very important component of learning to speak the musical language. In our classes you will learn note reading, keys, scales, intervals, chords, melody writing, time, rhythm, musical terms and music history. In our advanced classes we offer Harmony/Keyboard Harmony and Analysis up to the ARCT level, which is the Associate Diploma of the Royal Conservatory of Music.
As part of our commitment to providing a high standard of music education to all our students, we will be offering theory classes for the early levels, preparing students for all MCPA Level 1 to 5 theory examinations, which would complement their practical lessons and provide greater opportunity for scholarships. The classes start for children as young as 6 years old.
All courses follow the Royal Conservatory of Music Theory Syllabus and prepare students for theory classes at a higher level. Saturday morning classes are offered for levels 6 and 8 by Dr.Lorna Wanzel, Head of Department Music Theory (level 5 theory prerequisite) and weekday classes are offered by Daniel MacNeil for levels 1 to 5, Dr.Robert Best for Levels 1 to 5, Keyboard Harmony 9 to ARCT, and Dr. Lorna Wanzel for Levels 6 to ARCT. The times and days for theory classes starting next fall will be posted on our website. Depending on demand, all classes can be scheduled from Monday to Saturday.
At the Conservatory we can’t stress enough how helpful it is to gain Music Theory knowledge on top of instrumental lessons: it will help your child’s understanding of rhythm, phrasing, musical indications and open their eyes to a whole new world of musical concepts, which will again manifest itself in their performances.
The following High School Certificates are available through the Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations, after completion of a practical and theory component:
Grade 12 high school credit – RCM Level 8
Grade 11 high school credit – RCM Level 7
Grade 10 high school credit – RCM Level 6
Classes and Private Lessons with Dr.Lorna Wanzel
Dr. Lorna Wanzel offers private lessons and classes based on the Royal Conservatory of Music syllabus from Levels 5 to ARCT in all theoretical subjects including Rudiments, Harmony, Counterpoint, Analysis and History of Music. These courses prepare students for the RCM Theory exams, which are also co-requisites and prerequisites for the practical examinations at these levels.
We will be following the RCM syllabus for all our courses in preparation for the RCM theory examinations in May. All these courses require two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester has 15 weekly one hour lessons, for a total of 30 weekly lessons, which will commence on September 10th and end in early May.
Fall Theory Schedule
Theory 6 on campus
Time: Saturday 10:00am – 11:00am
Start Date: September 7, 2024
Theory 8 on campus
Time: Saturday 9:00am – 10:00am
Start Date: September 7, 2024
Harmony 9 at Dr. Wanzel Studio
Time: Wednesday 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Start Date: September 4, 2024
Harmony 10 at Dr. Wanzel Studio
Time: Tuesday 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Start Date: September 3, 2024
ARCT Harmony/Analysis at Dr. Wanzel Studio
Time: Saturday 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Start Date: September 7, 2024
Times and days are subject to change, so we can accommodate the majority of those students wanting to join Dr. Wanzel’s classes.
Music Theory Class with Daniel MacNeil
In a fun group setting, learn about music covering Preparatory and Theory Levels 1- 5, working through the Royal Conservatory Music Theory Syllabus Books. Music examples and guided listening are also covered, providing students the ability to excel in theory exams if desired, and ultimately, a solid foundation in music theory, benefiting the overall musician. Although written exams at the end of this class are optional, students who have written the exams have had excellent outcomes, scoring First Class Honours and First Class Honours with Distinction.
Instructor: Daniel MacNeil
Time: Wednesday 6:15pm – 7:00pm, Thursday 5:30pm – 6:15pm
Fee: $620/year
Start Date: September 11, 2024 & September 12, 2024
