Learning RCM Theory, Harmony, History, Analysis Online
How are the courses delivered?
All enrolled students of our online RCM theory courses will have configured a username and password to log in and view each course in the Profile page. Students will be able to access the courses and materials here for all harmony, history, analysis and intermediate theory courses and can follow each step week by week.
What happens each week?
Each week’s work consists of viewing pre-recorded lesson content, online quizzes, as well as a live tutorial where students meet online with me, Stephan Tan, to reinforce concepts, discuss how the material relates to the exam and to ask and answer any questions. Homework is then assigned and students are expected to complete and submit their assignment for evaluation.
How do the tutorials work?
For History, Harmony and Analysis, at each online live tutorial you will see the material on your computer screen and we will have the opportunity to complete examples and make notes directly on the screen. These tutorials will supplement what you’ve learned through the video lessons you will have watched prior to class time. Furthermore, each tutorial will be recorded so that you may go back and review it at anytime. My primary goal is that each and every student understands the material as thoroughly as possible. Links to the live tutorial channels are here.
How do the free Levels 5-8 courses work?
For Intermediate Theory, you will find your courses in your profile. There are video lessons walking you through each concept in the Celebrate Theory textbook series. You will learn the particulars of each concept in an easy-to-follow approach. There is no live weekly tutorial, but students will still be expected to complete the homework as described in the course videos and mark it themselves using the answer key. Any official previous examination may be submitted to me for evaluation. Did I mention these courses are absolutely free?
What Can I Do to Succeed?
When learning advanced subjects like harmony, history, or analysis online, there is a certain degree of self-monitoring and self-sufficiency expected of each student. Therefore, for younger students, you as parents would need to decide if this is a format best suited for your child or if he or she would benefit more from personal instruction.
You must be proficient in handwriting basic music notation. Although it is covered to some extent up to Level 5 Theory, the small details of writing the notes and rests can be tricky so proficiency in this area is essential.
Learn from your mistakes. Try to analyze and understand why you are making certain errors and if you need further clarification, you will have ample opportunity to ask your questions at subsequent tutorials. All students who register for History, Harmony, and Analysis also have the opportunity to complete many RCM Official Previous Examination as assigned in your homework. These will be graded and returned. Completing previous RCM Official Examinations is a crucial step in your preparation. Remember to have ready a copy of the appropriate textbook that we will go through together. In my opinion, the ones I have chosen are the best and easiest to follow. For a list of required textbooks, consult the appropriate subject page on this website.
To summarize, there are some important obligations in order to successfully complete the course:
- View each video lecture on time and attend the live tutorial
- Complete and submit the assigned homework each week
- Complete practice exams assigned
If you feel that you may not be able to fulfill these requirements, online theory may not be for you. You would risk getting a less-than-desired mark on your exam and lose faith in online instruction. But if you do fulfill these benchmarks and dedicate yourself appropriately, the results will take care of themselves. You will see that learning from home will save you valuable time and a lot of money. You will learn your theory and have a great time in the process!
Thank you very much for taking the time to consider my program!
