INTRODUCTION
Hello and welcome to the Theory Lessons page of Musical Dreams Piano Studio. Music theory is an integral but often ignored or diminished component of western musicianship. An understanding of the structures of western music, as well as the methods for communicating the subtleties of the pieces to be performed, is essential for true musicianship in this style. Unfortunately education in this area is frequently overlooked or treated as an add-on to the instruction or learning of a specific instrument. Here at Musical Dreams Piano Studio I provide online, classroom setting, education in musical theory so as to allow for an easy-access, economically viable, pathway to understanding and accomplishment in this very important area. Courses on offer are listed below, details for each course can be accessed by scrolling down to that particular course further down on this page.
Theory for the very new musician I – ages 5-8
Theory for the very new musician II – ages 6-8
Theory for new musicians – ages 8-12
Basic theory – ages 8-12
Get me started – teens
Get me started – adults
Basic theory and context – teens
Basic theory and context – adults
Music theory for parents of music students
Supporting childhood development through musical education
Royal Conservatory of Music Level 5
Royal Conservatory of Music Level 6
Royal Conservatory of Music Level 7
All courses are delivered online using Zoom. Students (or their supervising adult) will require an e-mail address to receive and send course materials and communications, access to a printer to print course materials, and for those registered in courses with assignments, a scanner or some way of scanning their assignments as a .pdf. A reliable internet connection with speeds appropriate for zoom meetings with voice and video is also required.
To register or for questions or discussion please reach out via the contact form below, via direct e-mail to Erika.Gomez@musicaldreamspianostudio.ca, or by phone at 1-403-472-8405.
Happy browsing!
(Ms.) Erika
Erika.Gomez@MusicalDreamsPianostudio.ca
1-403-472-8405
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Theory for the very new musician I – ages 5-8
Designed for the new or almost new musician, ages 5 through 8, this course takes the student from the very beginning – the musical alphabet, instruments, pitch, rhythm, keyboard familiarity (essential for all musicians) - to the written form of music, clefs, note reading, and musical scores. Given the young age, the focus for note reading is on the treble (G) and bass (F) clefs, although mention is made of additional clefs. Both passive and active education is provided. This course will provide the student with a strong foundation in musical rhythms, written format, and note reading in the treble and bass clefs. This course covers most of the material included in the curriculum for Royal Conservatory of Music Preparatory Level in theory, substantive amount of that included in the curriculum for Royal Conservatory of Music Level 1 and Level 2 theory, and some of Royal Conservatory of Music Level 3 theory.
Classes are ½ hr once per week. An adult is expected to be present at the classes in order to provide technical support to their student as well as support directed focus. Practice work between lessons is recommended (anticipate 5-10 minutes/day, or 15-20 minutes every second day), worksheets and direction are provided.
Next offering: Saturdays, 10:30-11:00, Jan. 17 – May 9, 2026. No class Feb. 14, Apr. 4.
Number of classes: 15
Maximum, number of students per class: 12
Pre-requisite:
· Able to read letters A through G and to recite in order the alphabet from letters A through G
Fee: $225
Theory for the very new musician II – ages 6-8
This course is designed for students ages 6 through 8 who have either completed “Theory for the very new musician I” or can demonstrate mastery of the entirety of the curriculum for that course (this is done via one-on-one interview). This course continues from where “Theory for the very new musician I – ages 5-8” left off and moves on to musical keys, writing scales, and chording. There is also education in musical terminology, music appreciation (recognizing what they have learned in actual scores), and rudimentary composition. Both passive and active education are provided. Completion of this course with “Theory for the very new musician I – ages 5-8”, fulfills the entirety of the curriculum requirements of Royal Conservatory of Music Preparatory, Level 1 and Level 2 Theory and some of Royal Conservatory of Music Levels 3 and 4 Theory.
The classes for this course are ½ hr in length, provided once per week. An adult is expected to be present at the classes in order to provide technical support to their student as well as support directed focus. Practice work between lessons is recommended (anticipate 5-10 minutes/day, or 15-20 minutes every second day), worksheets and recommendations are provided.
Next offering: Sundays, 1:00-1:30, Jan. 18 – May 10, 2026. No classes Feb. 15, Apr. 5.
Number of classes: 15
Maximum, number of students per class: 12
Pre-requisites:
· Music theory for new musicians – ages 5-8 or demonstration of mastery of the material covered in that course.
· Elementary reading ability
Fee: $225
Theory for new musicians – ages 8-12
This is a course for students brand new to either music or music theory, in the 8-12 age group. It moves from the basics of what is music and music theory, the musical alphabet, clefs (G, F, and C) and general written structure, rhythm, notes and rests and note and rest values, note reading in G (treble), F (bass) and C (alto and tenor) clefs, with focus on the G and F clefs but also including instruction and some practice in the alto and tenor clefs, keyboard familiarity (important for all musicians), musical keys, scales and chording, basic analysis, basic composition, basic terminology. This course covers the curriculum for Royal Conservatory of Music Preparatory, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 theory.
The classes for this course are 45 min in length provided once per week. Students are expected to be able to maintain their own focus, if this is not the case for a particular student an adult who can assist with this is required to be present at the classes. Either way an adult is required to be easily accessible in order to provide technical support if needed. Practice work for between classes will be assigned, expect approximately 1 hr/wk.
Next offering: Saturdays, 11:15-12:00, Jan. 17 – May 9, 2026. No classes Feb. 14, Apr. 4.
Number of classes: 15
Maximum, number of students per class: 12
Pre-requisites:
· Ability to recite the alphabet in order through to G, ability to recognize the written form of uppercase letters A through G
· Elementary reading ability
Fee: $275
Basic theory – ages 8-12
This course is intended for students ages 8 through 12 with strong note reading abilities in both the treble and bass clefs. This course covers the same material as the “Theory for new musicians – ages 8-12” course but without the time spent on note reading and more in-depth exploration of other aspects, in particular composition and analysis. This course covers the curriculum for Royal Conservatory of Music Preparatory, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 theory.
The classes for this course are 45 min in length provided once per week. Students are expected to be able to maintain their own focus, if this is not the case for a particular student an adult who can assist with this is required to be present at the classes. Either way an adult is required to be easily accessible in order to provide technical support if needed. Practice work for between classes will be assigned, expect approximately 1 hr/wk.
Next offering: Sundays, 1:45-2:30, Jan. 18 – May 10, 2026. No classes Feb. 15, Apr. 5.
Number of classes: 15
Maximum, number of students per class: 12
Pre-requisites:
· Strong note reading ability in both the treble and bass clefs.
· Elementary reading ability
Fee: $275
Get me started - teens
This is a crash course to provide the very basics – note reading, the structure of written music (clefs, staffs, key and time signatures), musical keys, scales, note and rest values. Enough to get you started and able to figure out what is written on that page, and how to write down any basic thoughts you have. This section is for students ages 13 to 18.
Classes are 45 minutes in length, provided once per week.
Next offering: Please inquire
Number of classes: 7
Maximum number of students per class: 12
Fee: $160
Get me started - adults
This is a crash course to provide the very basics – note reading, the structure of written music (clefs, staffs, key and time signatures), musical keys, scales, note and rest values. Enough to get you started and able to figure out what is written on that page, and how to write down any basic thoughts you have. This section is for adult students (ages 18+), individuals aged 16-18 may be considered.
Classes are 45 minutes in length, provided once per week.
Next offering: Sundays, 3:00 – 3:45, Jan. 18 – Mar. 8, 2026. No classes Feb. 15.
Number of classes: 7
Maximum number of students per class: 12
Fee: $160
Basic theory and context - teens
This course is intended for students ages 13 (12 possibly considered) to 18 wanting a strong foundation in the theory to support their musical development. The course covers note reading and introduction to the keyboard, musical structure (keys, rhythm, staffs, grand staffs, musical scores), musical notation, development of western music (musical periods, styles), basic harmony, and basic composition. Instruction in creation of musical forms and structures (i.e. scales, chords) is also included. This course provides a good foundation for instrumentalists and vocalists pursuing studies outside of the Royal Conservatory, those pursuing independent studies, and also for those wishing to prepare for engagement in Royal Conservatory theory examination levels (Theory levels 5 and above). Relatively little time is spent on note reading within the class, students are expected to engage in outside practice to attain their desired level of proficiency independently, so, this course is relevant to any student of this age wishing a basic understanding of overall structure, methodology, and context, even if they are familiar with note reading.
The classes for this course are 45 min in length provided once per week. Suggestions and materials for practice and enrichment activities between lessons will be provided, engagement is at the discretion of the student to coincide with their objectives for the course.
Next offering: please inquire
Number of classes: 15
Maximum number of students per class: 12
Fee: $275
Basic theory and context - adults
This course is intended for adults seeking an understanding of western musical structure and theory. As it includes note reading and interpretation of musical notation it is most relevant to those engaging in musical studies themselves but non-musicians could also find the course relevant as it does also include coverage of the development of western music, music analysis, and music appreciation. Topics covered include note reading and introduction to the keyboard, musical structure (keys, rhythm, staffs, grand staffs, musical scores), musical notation, development of western music (musical periods, styles), basic harmony, and basic composition. Instruction in creation of musical forms and structures (i.e. scales, chords) is also included, as is basic examination of symphonic works. This course is similar in areas of study to the course of the same name offered for teens, but more coverage of larger context and perspective is provided in this course.
The classes for this course are 1 hr in length provided once per week. Suggestions and materials for practice and enrichment activities between lessons will be provided, engagement is at the discretion of the student. Proficiency in realization of materials taught, which would result from engagement in practice or enrichment activities, is not a requirement to understand or benefit from subsequently presented materials.
Next offering: please inquire
Number of classes: 15
Maximum number of students per class: 12
Fee: $325
Music theory for parents of music students
Is your child taking music lessons, but you don’t have a music background yourself? Are you feeling a little lost? Then this is the class for you. In this class I provide the basics of musical theory and context so that the parent can make sense of those practice instructions, assist their child when they get stuck, and understand where on earth what their child is learning fits in with the greater scheme of musical advancement. I also provide a bit of musical history so that you can have a glimmering of how the composer, and when they composed, matters.
Classes are 45 minutes in length, provided once per week.
Next offering: please inquire
Number of classes: 7
Maximum number of students per class: 15
Fee: $160
Supporting childhood development through musical education
You’ve heard that music education can help with your child’s development, but how does that happen? Well, it doesn’t just happen on its own. Music education provides great opportunity to assist in your child’s development in ways that will help them become resilient in the face of those challenges currently causing such psychological distress in our young adults, but, in order for these developmental opportunities to be realised those responsible for the child need to provide the structure and support necessary for such realisation. In this course we discuss what it is that music education can support the development of as well as how you as parents can support this. I present this course drawing not only upon my 40 years of teaching experience but also my formal education in developmental psychology and my professional experience researching and developing programming to address those mental health challenges now being faced by not just our transitioning adults but also, increasingly, our younger children. The strategies learned in this course are applicable to children and youth.
Classes are 60 minutes in length, provided once per week.
Next offering: Sundays, 4:00-5:00, Jan. 18 – Mar. 8, 2026. No class Feb. 15.
Number of classes: 7
Maximum number of students per class: 12
Fee: $175
Royal Conservatory of Music Level 5
Prepares the student for the Royal Conservatory of Music Level 5 theory examination. Both in-person and online examination preparation is supported.
Classes are 45 minutes in length, provided once per week. Between-class practice work will be assigned, anticipate approximately 1-2 hrs/wk. Students under age 12 will require adult presence within the lesson location during the lesson.
Next offering: please inquire
Number of classes: 15
Maximum number of students per class: 12
Pre-requisite: Demonstration of mastery of Royal Conservatory of Music Level 4 Theory material.
Fee: $350
Royal Conservatory of Music Level 6
Prepares the student for the Royal Conservatory of Music Level 6 theory examination. Both in-person and online examination preparation is supported.
Classes are 60 minutes in length, provided once per week. Between-class practice work will be assigned, anticipate approximately 1-2 hrs/wk. Students under age 12 will require adult presence within the lesson location during the lesson.
Next offering: please inquire
Number of classes: 15
Maximum number of students per class: 12
Pre-requisite: Demonstration of mastery of Royal Conservatory of Music Level 5 Theory material.
Fee: $400
Royal Conservatory of Music Level 7
Prepares the student for the Royal Conservatory of Music Level 7 theory examination. Both in-person and online examination preparation is supported.
Classes are 60 minutes in length, provided once per week. Between-class practice work will be assigned, anticipate approximately 1-2 hrs/wk. Students under age 12 will require adult presence within the lesson location during the lesson.
Next offering: please inquire
Number of classes: 15
Maximum number of students per class: 12
Pre-requisite: Demonstration of mastery of Royal Conservatory of Music Level 6 Theory material.
Fee: $400
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