The study of music theory provides the foundation for a deep understanding of music as a language, creating a knowledgeable and discerning audience of music lovers who attend concerts, create, listen, play and study music over a lifetime. At Levine, Music Theory courses are not strictly college level studies; the sooner students begin to acquire these essential skills the better they will be able to understand and appreciate more fully the music they are learning.
Basic theory courses are open to students ages 10 and older. Slightly younger students may be accepted into the program based upon their teacher’s recommendation and by approval of the Department Chair. Placement in specific classes beyond Level 1 will be determined by the completion of the theory placement test.
For more information, contact the Theory Department Chair, Sis McKay at (202) 686-8000 x1109 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Theory Placement Tests
Private Lessons
Private lessons provide students with individual instruction with one of Levine’s talented faculty members and are geared towards the specific goals, needs and aspirations of each student regardless of experience or age. For new students, we take the time and ...
Group Classes
(Ages 12 - 18)
Young musicians need to know their way around a piano keyboard, and this interactive four-day class shows them just what they need to know. Students who are already proficient on their own instruments or in their vocal ...
(Ages 11 - 16)
This new course teaches students the necessary theory skills and concepts to enter Levine’s Advanced Placement (“AP”) Music Theory class in the fall. Students hone their singing and rhythmic skills and strengthen their understanding of basic music ...
(Adults)
The first four meetings of this engaging class for adults are devoted to a review of the basics of music theory needed for analysis (key signatures, meters, intervals, chords, etc.) and a chordal/tonal analysis of the J.S. Bach Prelude in ...
(Ages 8 - 18)
This course begins with music fundamentals and skills, such as reading and singing notes on the staff, singing and clapping rhythms, working on simple music dictation, and understanding simple musical forms. As soon as they are able, ...
(Ages 10 - 18)
This course continues the study of the building blocks of Western classical music, with major scales and key signatures, intervals, chords in the major scales, eighth and sixteenth note rhythms, and simple forms found in Baroque and ...
(Ages 10 - 18)
This course continues the study of the building blocks of Western classical music, with minor scales, modes, more syncopated rhythms, modulations, and pieces employing Sonata principle. Students will continue to hone their sightsinging and ear training skills. ...
(Ages 10 - 18)
During the first half of this course, students learn to apply analysis skills to the pieces they are studying in their private lessons. Students are invited to perform sonatas, and the class will then analyze the pieces ...
(Ages 14 - 18)
Designed to help serious music students deepen their knowledge of structure and repertory, this course includes sightsinging, ear training, study of chords, four-part writing, and other traditional theory. Students also compose pieces in historical styles.
...(Ages 7 - 9 years, without parent/caregiver)
This class "bridges" our Elementary Music classes with private instrument study, offering older children more structured learning of complex musical ideas, note-reading and basic theory. The class benefits students who aren’t quite ready for ...
(Ages 14 to Adult)
This course guides students through fundamental material about pitches, intervals, triads, seventh chords, voicing, harmonic progressions, chord substitutions and scales, including seven diatonic modes, blues scales and symmetrical scales. Students analyze recorded performances and also write their ...
(Ages 12 to Adult)
Using elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, structure and expression, students of all instruments develop the ability to improvise in many styles, including jazz. Students also learn how to listen to and interact with each other while improvising ...
(Ages 14 - 18)
Designed to help serious music students deepen their knowledge of structure and repertory, this course includes sightsinging, ear training, study of chords, four-part writing, and other traditional theory. Students also compose pieces in historical styles.
...(Ages 14 - 18)
In this course, students acquire an understanding of historical styles and the history of Western classical music through guided listening, reading, and learning skills of musical and stylistic analysis. Repertory ranges from Gregorian chant to the present. ...
(Ages 10 - 18)
This course covers the basics of music fundamentals, ear training, harmony and analysis at an accelerated pace. Basic composition exercises are integrated into the course and support student learning. This is a gateway class for students who ...
(Age 14 to Adult)
This course is a study of topics in music theory and historical styles through the examination of a variety of compositions. Some reading knowledge of music is required, preferably in both treble and bass clefs. Qualified high school ...
(Ages 14 to Adult)
This course is a review of music theory topics, particularly as applied to keyboard music. The specific needs and interests of enrolled students will be considered in determining class activities. Qualified non-pianists and advanced high school students are also ...
(Teens and Adults)
Like to play, but hate to practice? Learn some valuable tips on how to create effective and efficient practice strategies to maximize your progress. Applicable to all instruments and voice.
(Adults)
This course is designed for students who have never studied music theory or are coming back to it after many years. Whether you play an instrument, sing or just want to learn how to read music, you will enjoy this ...
(Adults)
This course is designed for students who have completed ABCs of Music for Beginners, or have basic reading knowledge in treble and bass clefs. Concepts include circle-of-fifths, intervals, triads, seventh chords and an introduction to inversions. Ear training, sightsinging ...
(Adults)
This course is for adult musicians or music lovers who have a basic fluency in the grammar of music, but would like to learn more about the organization of music, such as harmony and form. Four-part chorale style composition, analysis ...
