At Stanford music theory provides the technical foundations for music study; it informs students’ work in composition, performance, and musicology. And it is a concentration of its own, encouraging students to develop their understanding of music's inner workings through analysis, research, and practical engagement. Courses range from introductions to music notation, harmony, and aural skills to jazz harmony and advanced classes in the analysis of music from the 15th century to the present.
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Courses in the Spotlight
MUSIC 20A: Jazz Theory
Introduction to jazz through listening, analysis, and compositional exercises. Students will apply the fundamentals of music theory to the study of jazz.
MUSIC 19A: Introduction to Music Theory
Fundamentals of music theory and notation, basic sight reading and singing, ear training, keyboard harmony. Melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic dictation. Using piano and voice for development of music listening and reading skills.

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