The Contemporary Music Course

Music made easy

Course Modules

The course consists of a series of modules that each contain several lessons.

While you don't have to complete each lesson in order, the course is structured to build on your knowledge as you progress through it.

Clicking on the Module Introduction link opens a description of the topics covered in each module and a short introductory video for that module.

To access the lessons within the modules, you will need a valid subscription. If you already have one, please login.

Module
The Language of Music 1 Lessons in this module: 34 Module Introduction Upon completing the two parts of this subject - you will be able to read and write music. You will have studied fifty-five enjoyable and easy to follow music theory lessons with exercises that have a cursor in sync with the music as it is played, so you’ll always see while you hear, where you are in the music! Assignments have questions and answers that can be printed. First you will learn how to read rhythm then the pitch of the notes. Then you put rhythm and pitch together and after just a few lessons you will be able to read music! To help track your progress, you may want to print the Student Checklists, or if you are a teacher with multiple students, you can use the Classroom checklists. Student Checklist 1 Student Checklist 2 Classroom Checklist 1 Classroom Checklist 2 Start this module
The Language of Music 2 Lessons in this module: 23 Module Introduction After completing The Language of Music 2 - you will know about intervals, flat key major and minor scales, key signatures and how to read and write music to 1/16ths (semi-quavers). Then we put pitch with the 1/16ths and you will be able to read and write music as sophisticated as it gets in Jazz, Rock or Pop music. (Don’t forget to print out the PDF's in these lessons!) To help track your progress, you may want to print the Student Checklist, or if you are a teacher with multiple students, you can use the Classroom checklist. The Language 2 Student Checklist The Language 2 Classroom Checklist Start this module
Chords & Harmony 1 Lessons in this module: 24 Module Introduction The chords are the harmonic base of a song or melody. In this subject you will learn the make-up of complex chords and how chords function together. Soon you will know how to select the perfect chords for a melody. To help track your progress, you may want to print the Student Checklist, or if you are a teacher with multiple students, you can use the Classroom checklist. Manuscript to print Student checklist Classroom checklist 1 Classroom checklist 2 Start this module
Chords & Harmony 2 Lessons in this module: 18 Module Introduction Here we look at more harmonic options for your music and introduce you to the harmony of ‘The Great American Song Book’. To help track your progress, you may want to print the Student Checklist, or if you are a teacher with multiple students, you can use the Classroom checklist. Manuscript to print Student checklist Classroom checklist Start this module
The Kit Drummer Lessons in this module: 14 Module Introduction In The Kit Drummer you will see a drummer playing while you follow the music he is reading. Then you can listen to various rhythmic ‘grooves’ and write them. As usual the answers are provided so you can see how well you did. You will be able to write for a drummer very soon! To help track your progress, you may want to print the Student Checklist, or if you are a teacher with multiple students, you can use the Classroom checklist. Manuscript to print Student checklist Classroom checklist Start this module
Rhythm Section and Horns Lessons in this module: 11 Module Introduction See how music is written for members of a rhythm section and then how to write for a small horn section. Then we put the two together and you can download some Jazz/Rock pieces for three horns and rhythm section, for your band to play. Start this module
Orchestral Harmony - Full Free Module Lessons in this module: 24 Module Introduction This is where you really become an arranger. Here we transfer our knowledge of Chords and Harmony to an orchestra and other instrumentations. To help track your progress, you may want to print the Student Checklist, or if you are a teacher with multiple students, you can use the Classroom checklist. Manuscript to print Student checklist Classroom checklist Start this module
Two Part Harmony & Counterpoint Lessons in this module: 6 Module Introduction This subject is incredibly exciting and it takes your music to a whole new level! It is essential for film composers, orchestral composers and for any music that does not have chordal instruments or a rhythm section, to create the harmony and rhythmic movement. We also discuss how to write for a jazz/rock horn section. To help track your progress, you may want to print the Student Checklist, or if you are a teacher with multiple students, you can use the Classroom checklist. Manuscript to print Student checklist Classroom checklist Start this module
Arranging Notes Lessons in this module: 8 Module Introduction Arranging Notes answers many of the questions that you will constantly ask yourself when writing. Master Scores and Musicians Parts may be printed. Start this module
Rock Musicians - Session Project Lessons in this module: 9 Module Introduction "Boadicea: Celtic Warrior Queen" is a rock-drama for a young singer/actress and four-piece rock band. It is a wonderful opportunity for session musician students, to practice their craft and with the singer/actress, to present it in their own way! Even if your reading isn’t great you will understand exactly what the written music means, when you hear the music, as you see the notation. The show is exciting and dramatic. Time changes, key changes and changes in feel, occur every few bars and it is 1,200 bars (50 minutes) long. The recording, master score and musicians parts for singer/actress, keyboards, guitar, bass guitar and drums can be downloaded. This rock-drama can be presented easily and anywhere - a theatre, a tent, as street theatre, on the back of a truck or perhaps for tourists in some ancient ruin. Your mission - should you decide to accept it - is to create an exciting show the way you’d like to see it! Start this module