Topics in Music Theory
with Jeff Burns
Ages 12 - Adult
Wednesdays, June 18th - July 23rd
6:00 - 7:00 pm
$126
Take your understanding of music to the next level. This six-week course offers a guided exploration of intermediate music theory topics — perfect for students, hobbyists, and performers looking to strengthen their foundation. What do we really mean when we talk about pitch? How can we measure it accurately and objectively? How did scales and chords originate? What is voice leading? How is it intimately related to chord progression? Topics may also include modes and the relation between rhythm and harmony. Participants should be comfortable reading music and familiar with basic concepts like major/minor scales, keys, and time signatures.
Whether you're a developing musician or simply passionate about how music works, this course offers fresh insights and practical knowledge in a supportive, engaging setting.
Annual registration fee does not apply.
Minimum of 6 students for this class to run.
Meet the Instructor:
Jeff Burns
He/Him/His
Jeff Burns has taught piano with MSAC since September of 2016. He also taught at the Madison School of Music for nearly eleven years and at Ward-Brodt Music and Forbes-Meagher Music. He also has experience teaching public school music. Jeff holds an M.M. Music Theory from UW-Madison, B.A. Music from Northern Illinois University, A.A. (music) from Rock Valley College. Publications include: Pentatonic Scales for the Jazz-Rock Keyboardist, Hal-Leonard Publishing, Fantasy for solo guitar, Mel Bay Publications, recorded by Ron Rendik for World Library Publications. Song for clarinet and cello, Dorn Publications. Jeff has performed jazz, rock, and classical music as a soloist and with such groups as the Moonlight Jazz Orchestra, Tazz Rikki, and J. P. and the Cats in six states and 71 cities. He also worked extensively as a piano accompanist for dance classes at UW-Madison, NIU, and the Madison School of Ballet. Jeff even used to play in a rock group with a drummer who went on to found Smashing Pumpkins!