Music theory can be a daunting prospect for many people. This six-week course aims to make learning the basics of music theory an enjoyable experience. No prior music knowledge is required. The course will cover fundamental concepts, including notes and scales, how we write them down on a music staff, and how we play them on a piano or music keyboard. We will also cover the basics of pitch, key, rhythm, harmony, and simple chord structures.

A piano or keyboard is not essential for the course, but for those who don't have one, I am recommending any simple, low cost 37 note keyboard, that can be bought from online or big-box retailers for under $25. This will enhance the learning experience, whether you are participating in-person or online. 

By the end of the course, participants should be able to understand basic music scores and pick out simple melodies on the keyboard, as well as being equipped with the knowledge and understanding to pursue further music studies either on their own or in more advanced classes. While aimed at complete beginners, this course may also provide a useful refresher for those who have some music knowledge. 

Brian Hailes grew up in 1960s England where, as a self-taught singer/guitarist, he played the music of the era in clubs, bars, and on local radio stations. Fifty years later he began his formal music education with an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts (Music) at Berkshire Community College. He went on to complete his BA (Music) at Westfield State University, and an MM at UMass. Brian sings and plays guitar at venues throughout the Berkshires and has also sung in the chorus of a number of operas with the Berkshire Opera Festival. He has served on the board of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Georgia Council for the Arts Music Panel. In his previous lives Brian was a telecom development engineer, an international business executive, and an executive recruiter. He has a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, a graduate Diploma in Management Studies, and is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering & Technology. 

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