Music Theory: Beginner

In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of music theory through practical demonstrations and exercises.

You will explore basic diatonic harmony, melody and rhythm through well-known musical examples from the likes of Stevie Wonder, the Beatles and Randy Newman (music from Toy Story). By the end of the course, you will be able to identify common chord progressions, melodic ideas and rhythmic motifs that are ubiquitous in pop/rock/folk music.

Though it is not mandatory, students are encouraged to bring their instruments (e.g. guitar, violin etc.) to explore the theoretical ideas in their own practice. Two keyboards will be provided.

No prior knowledge of music theory or the ability to read standard notation is required. However, some experience of playing a pitched instrument (e.g. piano, guitar, violin etc.) to about grade 3 level (approx. 3-4 years) would be beneficial.     

About the Tutor

Gary Lutton is a final-year PhD researcher at Ulster University and a lecturer in music at Belfast Metropolitan College.

His research focuses on developing a new improvisatory vocabulary for fingerstyle guitar, integrating theories from cognitive psychology and flow.

Gary has been a lecturer at Belfast Met for 4 years and frequently gives workshops at Ulster University, in local schools and at community events.

He is a touring musician in the UK, Europe and the US, winning Sky TV’s Guitar Star (2015) and placing 3rd in global competition Six String Theory (2014).

Gary is also a founding member of US-based record label Fretmonkey Records and co-ordinates the Belfast Guitar Night, a bi-monthly event featuring guitarists from around the globe.