Some exciting news today! I'm happy to have the opportunity to be featured alongside fellow online theory teachers in RCM's new video series about in person/online Hybrid Teaching! This new series is titled "Online Plus: A Hybrid Model". Many of us are back in our studios, albeit with COVID-19 protocols in place, yet are continuing to incorporate the skills learned during "pandemic teaching" to enhance our pedagogical approach. Screen sharing, collaborative annotation, apps

As the advanced theory examination session is upon us, this article considers ways to stop needlessly losing marks on harmony examinations. Rather than discussing note, chord and voice-leading choices, it will consider issues relating to careful reading of examination questions, accurate writing of notation and rhythm, and attention to detail. Awareness in these areas is essential for maximizing examination results. Small omissions or errors incurred when writing an exam can

In June, I started working online with a Grade 8 theory transfer student who needed to finish the course in view of a planned August examination. As we proceeded to complete the book, she duly registered for the “in person” examination, although the possibility of an “online exam” could not be discounted. My student was really hoping for the usual written exam, as she was comfortable in the traditional format. We timed the completion of the book by mid-July, to provide plenty

The shift to online lessons has become the new normal. Read about how it's affecting our teaching now and beyond the coronavirus epidemic.

En m’entretenant avec un de mes élèves adolescents plus avancés, je lui ai demandé s’il considérait avantageux l’apprentissage de la théorie musicale. Il s'arrêta quelques instants pour réfléchir à la question, puis répondit: «La théorie musicale m'aide à mieux comprendre mon répertoire.» Il m’a ensuite mentionné quelques exemples parmi ses pièces. Je dois avouer que sa réponse m’a accordée un petit moment de fierté pédagogique. À vrai dire, quelques moments plus tard il a a

In conversation with one of my more advanced teenage students, I asked him what he considered to be the benefits of learning music theory. He paused a few moments to give the question some thought, and then answered, “Music theory helps me to understand my pieces better.” He went on to provide a few examples in his repertoire. As his teacher, I must say that his reply provided me with a moment of satisfying pedagogical gratification. Although further discussion did also promp