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Music Theory Syllabus
A structured study of the language of music: notation, pitch, scales, intervals, chords, rhythm, harmony, counterpoint, form, and analysis. The full Music Theory syllabus: 7 subjects, 32 chapters and 115 topics, with 350 flashcards written against it.
Music Theory subjects
Music Theory has 7 subjects. Each one is listed below with its chapters in syllabus order; open a subject for every topic and sub-topic inside them.
Fundamentals of Music Notation
- The Staff and Clefs · 4 topics
- Pitch and Octave Designation · 3 topics
- Accidentals · 3 topics
- Note and Rest Values · 4 topics
- Dynamics, Articulation, and Expression · 4 topics
Scales, Keys, and Intervals
- The Major Scale · 4 topics
- Minor Scales · 4 topics
- Key Signatures and the Circle of Fifths · 4 topics
- Intervals · 6 topics
- Modes and Other Scales · 3 topics
Rhythm and Meter
- Beat, Tempo, and Pulse · 3 topics
- Time Signatures · 4 topics
- Rhythmic Patterns and Notation · 4 topics
- Rhythmic Reading and Dictation · 3 topics
Chords and Harmony
- Triads · 4 topics
- Seventh Chords · 3 topics
- Diatonic Harmony · 4 topics
- Cadences and Phrases · 3 topics
- Non-Chord Tones · 4 topics
- Chromatic Harmony · 5 topics
Voice Leading and Counterpoint
- Principles of Voice Leading · 4 topics
- Part Writing · 4 topics
- Species Counterpoint · 4 topics
- Contrapuntal Textures · 3 topics
Form and Analysis
- Melodic and Phrase Structure · 3 topics
- Small Forms · 3 topics
- Large Forms · 3 topics
- Analytical Techniques · 3 topics
Ear Training and Sight-Singing
- Pitch and Interval Recognition · 3 topics
- Chord and Quality Identification · 3 topics
- Melodic and Harmonic Dictation · 3 topics
- Sight-Singing · 3 topics
Music Theory flashcards
350 question-and-answer cards across 7 subject decks, each shown in full on its subject page.
Music Theory syllabus FAQ
What subjects are in the Music Theory syllabus?
Music Theory covers 7 subjects: Fundamentals of Music Notation, Scales, Keys, and Intervals, Rhythm and Meter, Chords and Harmony, Voice Leading and Counterpoint, Form and Analysis and Ear Training and Sight-Singing.
How many chapters and topics are in the Music Theory syllabus?
32 chapters and 115 topics, across 7 subjects. Chords and Harmony is the largest subject, with 23 topics in 6 chapters.
Are there Music Theory flashcards?
Yes — 350 question-and-answer flashcards in 7 subject decks. Each deck is printed in full on its subject page here, and the same cards are in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.
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