What follows is the old version of the site

For the updated site, please go to www.vcutheory.org (and perhaps refresh your browser)

For online theory instruction and drill work try the links on the left menu. For miscellaneous additional resources, click on the links below.

Theory

Fundamentals

• Basic calligraphy, score setup, etc.
• The "white-note" interval method.
• Key signatures - practice finding the correct key signatures for all major and minor scales. A different way of looking at key signatures.
• Beaming - Flash tutorial on how to beam notes in compound and simple time signatures.
• Victor's "Circle of Triads"!

Analysis and Part-writing

• Interactive chord chart!
• Chord analysis flow chart. A questionably, helpful approach to determining the origin and function of a "non-diatonic" chord.
• The Modally Borrowed Chord Song!

Lessons - Flash Plugin required

• Introduction to analysis of piano-style compositions
• Harmonizing a soprano - introduction.
• Non-chord tone introduction.
• 6/4 chords
• Analyzing a Bach Chorale with modulations
• Composing an etude
• Lead sheet symbols

Aural Skills

MacGamut

• Songs for interval recognition
• Bass patterns, modes, and 7ths chords.
• Chord keyboard! Experiment with MacGamut chord progressions with this innovative tool!! (Requires Flash Plugin, make take a minute to load)
• Even newer! Chord keyboard in minor with extra graphics!

Rhythm reading

• Practice your basic conducting patterns with this animated helper.
• Practice some of the basic beat units in 6/8 time using the Eastman counting system.
• Example 10.B in your rhythm book
• Compound time practice with audio support!
• Syncopations and ties in compound time.The bouncing head in 6/8 time!
• Test your ability to keep a steady beat!
• Simple time syncopation .pdf file
• Example 9.D from Studying Rhythm .
• For fun and extra credit, learn Rock Etude #17 by Bill Douglas.

Sightsinging

• The Ultra, Super-Amazing Fixed Do Keyboard Plus!
• The amazing, "fixed do" keyboard!
• Solfege practice
• Solfege practice in F major
• Practice singing duet parts
• Train yourself to read ahead more effectively.
• Curwen" hand signs for solfege

Dictation Station

• Practice doing dictation using the technique of "protonotation"
• Figure out the accents in that famous passage from Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.
• Listen to a short excerpt by Corelli and notate it.
• Transcribe the bass and soprano of this well-known passage from a Mozart Piano Concerto.

AP Theory Exam

• Try the aural recognition questions from the 2002 Sample AP Exam. Audio files are available in .mp3 format