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Musician's Toolbox: Basics of Music Theory

Is your child learning an instrument and eager to grow as a musician and learn more efficiently?

Why Music Theory Matters

Music theory isn’t just for advanced students; it’s the key to confident, expressive playing and is appropriate for all student levels.

The 4-week workshop helps kids:

  • Strengthen note reading, rhythm, and listening skills
  • Understand and appreciate the “why” behind the music they play
  • Accelerate progress in private lessons
  • Build musical independence and creativity

Tailored to Each Student’s Level

Whether your student is just starting out or already playing with confidence, we’ll place them in the right workshop to match their experience and knowledge.  From our Discovery classes for beginners to Advanced sessions for our most experienced students, every student receives the support they need to thrive as a musician.

How it Works

  • Workshops are included in all CCM private lesson tuition – no extra cost!
  • Each session runs for 45 minutes for 4 weeks
  • Students complete a short Theory Assessment and return it to the office to help us recommend the best-fit class
  • We’ll let you know which classes to register for
  • First-time students are automatically placed in the Discovery level and can register for classes at that level; no assessment is needed

*We ask that parents allow their children to complete the Theory Assessment on their own without assistance. This makes it possible to place the child in the appropriate Music Theory workshops that best suit their abilities and experience. Please do not register for a session until your student has handed in their Theory Assessment and you have received confirmation of their placement recommendations.

2026-2027 Class Schedule

Level Focus Description Day & Time Dates Instructor & Location Sign Up
Discovery Pitch Musical alphabet, whole and half steps, note identification in treble clef Mondays, 4:00–4:45 pm Sept 28, Oct 5, 19, 26 Peter Evans (North Hall) Sign Up
Discovery Pitch Musical alphabet, whole and half steps, note identification in treble clef Wednesdays, 5:15–6:00 pm Oct 28, Nov 4, 11, 18 Brooke Soffereman (Studio 6) Sign Up
Discovery Pitch Musical alphabet, whole and half steps, note identification in treble clef Saturdays, 10:00–10:45 am Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 Peter Evans (South Hall East) Sign Up
Discovery Rhythm Counting groups of four, quarter notes, half notes, whole note, 4/4 meter Saturdays, 10:00–10:45 am Oct 3, 10, 17, 24 Peter Evans (South Hall East) Sign Up
Discovery Rhythm Counting groups of four, quarter notes, half notes, whole note, 4/4 meter Mondays, 5:00–5:45 pm Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, 21 Peter Evans (North Hall) Sign Up
Discovery Rhythm Counting groups of four, quarter notes, half notes, whole note, 4/4 meter Wednesdays, 5:15–6:00 pm Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10 Brooke Soffereman (Studio 6) Sign Up
Foundations Pitch Bass clef, identifying and building major scales Mondays, 5:00–5:45 pm Sept 28, Oct 5, 19, 26 Peter Evans (North Hall) Sign Up
Foundations Pitch Bass clef, identifying and building major scales Saturdays, 11:00–11:45 am Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 Peter Evans (South Hall East) Sign Up
Foundations Pitch Bass clef, identifying and building major scales Wednesdays, 5:15–6:00 pm Feb 24, March 3, 10, 17 Brooke Sofferman (Studio 6) Sign Up
Foundations Rhythm 3/4, 2/4, and 6/8 meters with subdivisions up to sixteenth notes, dots & ties Saturdays, 10:00–10:45 am Oct 31, Nov 7, 14, 21 Peter Evans (South Hall East) Sign Up
Foundations Rhythm 3/4, 2/4, and 6/8 meters with subdivisions up to sixteenth notes, dots & ties Mondays, 4:00–4:45 pm Nov 2, 9, 16, 23 Peter Evans (North Hall) Sign Up
Foundations Rhythm 3/4, 2/4, and 6/8 meters with subdivisions up to sixteenth notes, dots & ties Wednesdays, 5:15–6:00 pm March 24, 31, April 7, 14 Brooke Sofferman (Studio 6) Sign Up
Intermediate Pitch Minor scales, basic contrapuntal motions, thirds, fifths, triads, basic intervals, alto clef Wednesdays, 5:15–6:00 pm Sept 30, Oct 7, 14, 21 Brooke Sofferman (Studio 6) Sign Up
Intermediate Rhythm 9/8, 12/8, 5/4 meters, triplets, syncopations Mondays, 4:00–4:45 pm Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, 21 Peter Evans (North Hall) Sign Up
Intermediate Rhythm 9/8, 12/8, 5/4 meters, triplets, syncopations Saturdays, 11:00–11:45 am Oct 31, Nov 7, 14, 21 Peter Evans (South Hall East) Sign Up
Advanced Pitch Cadence types, chromatic intervals, basic roman numerals, SATB, basic voice-leading Saturdays, 11:00–11:45 am Oct 3, 10, 17, 24 Peter Evans (South Hall East) Sign Up
Advanced Timbre Registers, complex dynamics, texture, instrumentation Mondays, 5:00–5:45 pm Nov 2, 9, 16, 23 Peter Evans (North Hall) Sign Up
Advanced Rhythm Changing meters, complex meters, tuplets, advance syncopation Wednesdays, 5:15–6:00 pm May 5, 12, 19, 26 Brooke Sofferman (Studio 6) Sign Up

For more information, please call the CCM office at 978-369-0010 or email the Program Manager, Anthea Kechley.