University of Miami

 Frost School of Music

Piano Preparatory Program

Music Theory

Music Theory classes are offered once a week for 60 minutes.  The Theory Classes compliment a student’s private or group piano class.  Students are placed into a class level through a placement exam held at the University of Miami- Frost School of Music at the beginning of the semester.  This year, the placement exam will take place September 6th at 9:30a.m. in room 101 Volpe. 

Examples of materials covered in the classes are listed below:

1st and 2nd Year Theory:  Note-reading, Rhythm reading, Sight-reading, Ear training, Theory Games, Signs and Terms, Music History, etc.

Late Elementary-Late Intermediate: Intervals, Major/Minor Scales, Major/Minor key signatures, Cadences, Triads, Signs and Terms, Musical Forms, Music History, Ear training, etc.

Advanced (Pre-College Division): Harmonization, Improvisation, Composition, Score Analysis, Dominant Seventh Chords, Chord Progressions, Musical Form, Music History, Signs and Terms, etc.

Composition Recital: Students have the option to participate in the Piano Preparatory Program’s Composition Recital which is held each year in the Spring.  Interested students will learn the proper compositional techniques to compose their own piece and learn how to perform the work for the recital.  Past students have entered and won at the local and state level of competition with their compositions. 

Students enrolled in Music Theory have the opportunity to participate in all of the Studio Classes, Community Service events and the final recital.