Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory: Beginner-Grade 2

Unlock the language of music in this engaging, hands-on 10-week course designed specifically for adult learners.

Whether you're new to music theory or looking to deepen your understanding, these 45 min, small-group classes provide a practical and approachable introduction to the fundamentals of music theory.

Designed to complement your instrumental practice, this course offers interactive exercises and relatable examples to help you master the foundational concepts of music theory and apply them directly to your playing. Learn at a pace that works for you in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Get a certification by sitting an Exam (optional)

This course is designed to prepare students for a RIAM-accredited Grade 2 Music Theory & Harmony Exam *.

Participants can choose to either just participate in this course without an accreditation or to register for an additional Exam, scheduled outside of the course period (see below for dates)

*The Exam is an online, multiple-choice examination offered during the Summer Exam Sessions. (Course participants are not automatically registered for this exam and anybody interested in doing the exam will need to “self-enrol” online or with the RIAM Exams Office team on the phone – details will be provided.)

Please note: Exam participation comes at an additional cost, which is payable separate to the course fee.

We also offer Musicianship courses for other Grades:

• Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory: Grade 3 / 4       (12 weeks)
• Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory: Grade 5             (12 weeks)
• Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory: Grade 6             (14 weeks)

Musicianship for Adults - Music Theory: Beginner-Grade 2 (10 weeks)

The Spring 2027 course will run on the following dates:

Week 1               Tuesday 23 February 2027     (8:15 – 9:00 PM   ROOM: B002)

Week 2               Tuesday 2 March 2027            (8:15 – 9:00 PM   ROOM: B002)

Week 3               Tuesday 9 March 2027            (8:15 – 9:00 PM   ROOM: B002)

Week 4               Tuesday 16 March 2027          (8:15 – 9:00 PM   ROOM: B002)

Week 5               Tuesday 23 March 2027          (8:15 – 9:00 PM   ROOM: B002)

Easter Break Tuesday 30 March 2027 – No Class

Week 6               Tuesday 6 April 2027                (8:15 – 9:00 PM   ROOM: B002)

Week 7               Tuesday 13 April 2027              (8:15 – 9:00 PM   ROOM: B002)

Week 8               Tuesday 20 April 2027              (8:15 – 9:00 PM   ROOM: B002)

Week 9               Tuesday 27 April 2027              (8:15 – 9:00 PM   ROOM: B002)

Week 10             Tuesday 4 May 2027                (8:15 – 9:00 PM   ROOM: B002)

OPTIONAL

For participants who would like to sit a Grade 2 Music Theory & Harmony Exam

EXAM DATES:                10^th – 13^th May 2027

(Application period for the exam is Fri 19^th February – Wednesday 24^th March 2027)

What You’ll Learn

Each week focuses on a key aspect of music theory, starting right from the basics and building progressively to cover:

Pitch – The Ups and Downs

-          Introduction to pitch and melodic notation – including the history of the stave, lines and spaces in a variety of clefs, and ledger lines.

-          Name and notate pitches with clarity and precision.

-          Understand the function of accidentals, including sharps and flats (and double sharps and flats).

Intervals – The Relationship Between Two Notes

-          Explore tonic solfa and its application to intervals and general musicianship.

-          Recognise and sing a variation of intervals, relating these to well-known songs.

Scales – Putting Pitches in Order

-          Understand, form, apply, and recognise major, natural minor, melodic minor, and harmonic minor scales.

-          Understand and identify chromatic and pentatonic scales.

Harmony – Pitches Sounding Together

-          Learn how chords are constructed and function in musical contexts.

Keys – Defining the Playing Field

-          Confidently decode key signatures and explore the relationships between keys.

-          Use the Circle of Fifths to navigate advanced key concepts.

-          Correctly identify the key signature of a given scale.

Beat, Meter, and Rhythm – Music in Time

-          Master the principles of rhythm, beat, and meter.

-          Understand and perform a range of time signatures and rhythmic notation, including syncopation.

Form – The Big Picture

-          Explore the structure and organisation of music.

-          Apply these ideas in both popular and classical music, especially in relation to the Circle of Fifths.

Expression and Dynamics

-          Understand dynamics, expression markings, ornamentation and phrasing to bring music to life.

-          Connect theory to expressive performance techniques and historical musical periods.

Dictation – Developing Your Musical Ear

-          Write down simple one- to two-bar rhythmic and melodic patterns by ear.

-          Strengthen your ability to learn and understand music through listening.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will:

-          Confidently read and interpret musical notation.

-          Apply theory concepts to your instrumental practice, enhancing your playing.

-          Identify and construct intervals, scales, chords, and key signatures.

-          Understand rhythm, harmony, and musical structure.

-          Expand your appreciation for the building blocks of music and how they come together in performance.

Prerequisites

-          Participants must be 18+.

-          No prior theory knowledge is required for Entry Level.

For any enquiries about this course, please contact adultdivision@riam.ie or call 01 632 5300.

Tutor

Angie Flynn

Here is what some of our previous course participants are saying:

-          "Excellent course - Clear information provided, good curriculum with opportunities to both practise learning and extend knowledge."

-          "I haven't enjoyed learning and homework this much since I was a child!! A few years ago, I attempted to pick back up the piano skills of my youth and failed to reach the same level. I realised my theory was letting me down but couldn't find a class offering what I needed. Then this class came along - exactly what I'd been looking for!!"

-          "I really enjoyed the tutors teaching style - it is engaging, interesting and agile. The tutor teaches with a passion for her music and subject which is contagious."

-          "An excellent instructor. She covered so much with great enthusiasm, and she dealt with questions in a very engaging way."

-          "Thank you for facilitating such a wonderful course - I am looking forward to more!"