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Music Theory Lessons

music theory lessons illustration

Overview

Quoting from the RCM Theory Syllabus (2016), "The study of theory is an essential component of well-rounded musical training and is intended to support the practical studies to enhance and enrich the musical experience." We absolutely agree with this statement!

At DCAM, you can take Music Theory as a separate lesson or in combination with the study of your favourite instrument.

a girl doing music theory

What is a good age to start music theory lessons?

Students can begin studying the basics of music theory as young as 5 years old. Getting an early start in music theory gives young students an edge when the get into the more complicated material.

Lesson Format

Private lessons: these are one-on-one lessons with student and teacher. Private lessons are a great option for students looking for highly-focused and individualized music instruction. The teacher is able to give their full attention to one student and students normally progress faster in this environment.

Semi-private lessons: these lessons consist of two students per teacher. Semi-private lessons can be a budget-friendly option for parents with two children or two friends wanting to learn the same instrument together. The one obvious drawback is that students don't receive as much focused and individualized attention from the teacher as they do with private lessons.

Lesson Duration

At DCAM, students can choose between 30-minute, 45-minute, or 1-hour lessons. Small children generally start with 30-minute lessons and increase lesson duration as they get older and/or with the recommendation from their teacher. For teenagers and adults, a minimum lesson time of 45 minutes is strongly recommended.

Materials

a girl doing music theory

Since many of our students eventually intend to write the RCM theory exams, RCM books are our most popular choice for theory studies. However, there are plenty of other great theory books out there which we would be happy to teach if that is what our students would prefer. One example of such books is Barbara Wharram's "Rudimentary Rudiments of Music".

Teachers

piano teacher Deniz

Deniz

piano, music theory

Deniz Tafaghodi is a pianist, sound artist, and founder of 'Zerone Duo'. She began her musical journey at the age of four with Orff Music and began studying classical piano at the age of six. Deniz earned her degree in Music (Piano Performance) from the Art & Architecture University of Tehran. She has been teaching classical piano and music theory since 2016. She has also been an active collaborator in various artistic mediums, including live electro-acoustic/audiovisual performances, sound installations, sound design and music composition for theaters contemporary dance performances, and computer games.

guitar, lute and theory teacher Jonathan

Jonathan

guitar, lute, music theory

Jonathan Stuchbery is a classical guitarist and a specialist in lutes and historical guitars. As an educator, he encourages students to explore their musical interests while laying strong technical foundations and helping students approach their instruments and music with ease. Jonathan is experienced as a guitar (all styles) and lute teacher, as well as a repertoire coach for vocalists and instrumentalists working on baroque and renaissance music. He is busy as a performer at home and abroad where he is active with multiple ensembles and festivals. Jonathan holds a Master's in Historical Performance from the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya in Barcelona. He was also recognized for outstanding achievement in lute at McGill's Schulich School of Music, receiving his B.Mus. in guitar and lute under teachers Jérôme Ducharme and Sylvain Bergeron.

piano teacher Terry

Terry

piano, music theory

Taras (Terry) Babyuk started his musical journey with accordion lessons at the age of seven. In his teens, he became fascinated with piano and never looked back. With over 10 years of experience in the field of education, Terry holds a Level 9 RCM Certificate in piano and has taught beginner to high intermediate piano and beginner to advanced music theory for many years. In addition to his fondness for Classical and Romantic-Era music, he also loves film music and enjoys composing original piano pieces in his spare time. Aside from his occasional teaching duties at DCAM, he is also its co-founder and Managing Director.

Our teachers are all qualified professionals and passionate musicians. We do our best to match a student with a teacher that we think would best fit their musical goals as well as their personalities. We understand that while some students prefer a relaxed teaching approach, there are always those for whom a more strict approach is more effective. Students also have the option to request to change their teacher if they wish to do so. Learn more about our teachers on our Teachers Section.

FREE TRIAL LESSON

Just fill out our quick trial lesson form and wait to hear from us within 1-2 business days. If you like your trial lesson, you can sign up for regular lessons with us! Our lessons are available online (Zoom or Skype) as well as in-person if you live close to our location. Start learning your favorite instrument with one of our amazing teachers today!