Theory Certificates

Level 5 Theory Certificate: Level 5 Theory Exam.

Level 6 Theory Certificate: Level 6 Theory Exam

Level 7 Theory Certificate: Level 7 Theory Exam

Level 8 Theory Certificate: Level 8 Theory Exam

Level 9 Theory Certificate: Level 9 History and Level 9 Harmony Exams

Level 10 Theory Certificate: Level 10 History and Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint Exams

Level ARCT Theory Certificate: Level ARCT History, Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint, and ARCT Analysis Exams

Class Details

Level 5 Theory is recommended for students age 9 and younger who are taking their practical grade 4 examination. Features treble and bass clef, key signatures to four sharps/flats, intervals, Italian terms and other musical note activities. Study allotment 30-60 minutes per day (3-5 hours per week). Prerequisites: Grade 4 or beginning Grade 5 piano. Next Class

Comprehensive Level 5-6 Theory is recommended for students age 10 and younger who have passed their practical grade 5 examination. Features treble and bass clef, key signatures to four sharps/flats, intervals, Italian terms and other musical note activities. Study allotment 30-60 minutes per day (3-5 hours per week). Prerequisites: Grade 4 or beginning Grade 5 piano. Next Class

Comprehensive Level 5-8 Theory is recommended for students who have passed the practical grade 6 examinations. A grade 12 high school credit is earned when paired with the grade 8 performance exam. Features treble and bass clef, all key signatures, scales, triads, cadences, intervals, Italian terms. Study allotment 45 minutes per day (4-6 hours per week). Next Class

Comprehensive Level 5-8 Theory is a fast-track class for motivated students who complete homework assignments each week. An average time allotment would be 60 minutes per day (5-6 hours per week). During the last 3-4 weeks of class, theory students will need to intensify their efforts in order to prepare for the examination. Class attendance is essential. Students should read pitch names quickly and accurately, understand common meter signatures ( 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 3/8 and 6/8), and understand the divisions of basic rhythmic values as well as dotted notes. Next Class

Level 9 Harmony is the study of chord progressions that comprise music. To feel comfortable, students need to review key signatures, chords and their technical names (tonic, dominant, etc.) which were covered in Level 8 Theory prior to the first class. If a year or more has passed since the Level 8 Theory exam, students will have forgotten a substantial amount placing them at a disadvantage. Prerequisites: Level 8 Theory. Next Class

Level 9 History presents an overview of Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern composers and works. Because students are uninitiated in old school memory work, it is the most difficult. Definitions/terms form the heart of the material and absorbing vocabulary is the number one priority. Other components include composer’s works, biographies and piece descriptions. Prerequisites: Level 8 Theory. Next Class

Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint is a continuation of Level 9 Harmony with more extensive use of minor keys and modulation. Three new chords are introduced and students are asked to compose a 16 bar melody. Figured bass realization. Harmonic and form analysis of sonata form, rondo, minuet and trio and the smaller forms are taught. Prerequisites: Level 8 Theory, Level 9 Harmony. Next Class

Level 10 History: (Next Class) Presents the music of the Medieval and Renaissance with additional music genres of Baroque and Classical. Focus is on definitions/terms, piece descriptions and style. Due to the unfamiliarity of the early periods, exam results will be jeopardized with missing the first classes. Prerequisites: Level 8 Theory & Level 9 History.

ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint (Next Class) A continuation of Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint. Four new chromatic chords are introduced. Students compose a 2-part 16 bar composition. Complete an composition for solo instrument and keyboard part with figured base. Analysis includes chromatic harmony and remote modulations. Best taken before ARCT Analysis: Level 8 Theory, Level 9 Harmony, Level 10 Harmony. Co-requisites: ARCT Analysis and ARCT History

ARCT Analysis (Next Class) Includes harmonic analysis of Classical and Romantic songs, sonatas and fugues. Structural analysis of large forms includes sonata, sonata-rondo, rondo, fugue and songs. Prerequisites: Level 8 Theory, Level 9 Harmony, Level 10 Harmony and Counterpoint. Best taken after Co-requisites: ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint and ARCT History.

ARCT History (Next Class) A wonderful romp through major Romantic and 20th century composers (Liszt, Ravel), their styles and representative works. Emphasis is on style and piece descriptions. Adding a touch of fun, students study Canadian composers and performers such as Glen Gould, Louis Lortie and Join Mitchell. Prerequisites: Level 9 History and Level 10 History. Co-requisites: ARCT Harmony Counterpoint and ARCT Analysis.

Upcoming Theory Classes for Royal Conservatory of Music Exams

Private Online Lessons are offered in all theory subjects. (See Private Theory Packages)
Call for details: 905-479-0591

Thoughts

Listening to a Chopin Nocturne, everyone experiences the effusion of beauty in those gossamer notes as if they had magically dropped from heaven. We respond to the passion and powerful expression of Beethoven. It could easily be assumed that our beloved composers grew from only the most fertile circumstances. Is it surprising that Chopin needed to lock himself in his room for days, pace up and down, break pens and modify one bar 100 times?

Beethoven’s spirit carried him through an alcoholic father to be the sole support of his mother and brothers. His conviction and perseverance held him through gradual deafness which in turn incited and challenged him to be triumphant, to seek the profound and transcend earthly confines. To embrace life is to face challenges boldly and head on like Beethoven and Chopin.

Parents often desire music to be fun, easy and stress-free. Sometimes it is. However, hard work and overcoming struggle are essential for character development. When a young person gains control over a difficulty, they become stronger. Their confidence and true grit increase. Satisfying the technical performance and theory demands is also building resilient, determined attitudes. These students turn into adults who will succeed because they don’t give up easily.
- Lynn Ware

A Happy Place

Ware Academy of Music approaches theory with a fun, encouraging attitude and lively teacher/student interaction.

Testing and Mock Examinations

Weekly theory tests allow students/parents to constantly monitor progress. Mock exams provide realistic expectations.

Clear English Presentations

Music Theory Classes: 30 Hours

Ware Academy offers music students 30 hours of class time for Level 8 through ARCT theory classes, unless compromised with statutory holidays or examination dates.

No Registration Fees

Textbooks

All material is specifically written for the theory examination preparation. Successive classes and books offer a consistent approach and layout creating an easy path through the advanced exams.

Music Theory Classes

Peteer Ware teaching RCMusic Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint Class

level 5 through 8 Theory Classes are ideally suited to development of self-esteem and confidence. Concepts are introduced in clearly defined topics (key signatures, intervals, etc.) in a progressive, but interconnected order. Through study and application of procedures, students enjoy a variety of activities with notes.

•Introduction Video to Level 5-8 Comprehensive Music Theory with Lynn Ware•

• National Gold Medal in Music Theory Winner•

Eric Tan with his Music Theory Teachers Lynn and Peter Ware

Eric Tan received the highest national theory average for all theory exams required for ARCT in Canada (excluding Level 8 Theory classes). His grade average was 95! See other National Gold Medal in Music Theory Winners from Ware.

Theory Classes

Level 9 Through ARCT Theory Classes require consistent, methodical and dedicated minds and develop tremendous intellectual capacity. We wish to make the theory requirements as meaningful and painless as possible. Enroll students when they have time to study, memorize, and practice. Without Practice, Memory and careful execution of procedures they will not pass. A positive, pro-active attitude is essential for students to absorb theoretical ideas. Positive attitude + Good Study Habits = Success. Students of Ware have gone on to Yale, Harvard, Princeton, and Cornell.