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Legato Courses

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Music Theory

Our Music Theory course provides a thorough and structured exploration of fundamental concepts, designed to enhance your understanding and application of Music Theory to advance your musical proficiency and creativity.

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Applied Composition

Our Applied Composition course offers a structured approach to integrating music theory with practical composition skills, guiding you through the process of creating original works and refining your musical ideas with expert feedback and support.

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Aural Training

Our Aural Training course provides a comprehensive framework for developing critical listening skills, focusing on key musical elements and techniques to enhance your ability to analyze, interpret, and perform music with precision and confidence.​​

Music Theory

Legato Music Theory Courses

Enrolling in Music Theory courses is one of the best decisions you can make as a Musician!

Legato Music Theory Courses are designed according to the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) curriculum.

Each grade builds on the previous one, gradually increasing in complexity to help you develop a comprehensive understanding of music theory.

Understanding the "why" behind the music you play will open up a whole new world of creativity and confidence.

Whether you're composing your own pieces, sight-reading new music, or simply trying to improve your playing, a solid grasp of music theory will give you the tools you need to excel. Plus, as you advance in your studies, you'll find that theory makes everything easier and more enjoyable.  So, take the leap - enrol today and watch your musical skills soar!

The time it takes to learn each grade of music theory can vary based on several factors, including the student's prior knowledge, aptitude, and the frequency of lessons. However, a general estimate for each grade might look like this:

Grade 1

  • Time Estimate: 3 to 6 months

  • Details: This is the foundational level, and students usually grasp the basics relatively quickly. Regular lessons and practice will help solidify their understanding of notation, key signatures, and simple musical terms.

Grade 2

  • Time Estimate: 4 to 6 months

  • Details: Building on Grade 1, students learn more complex rhythms and additional key signatures. With consistent study and practice, most students can master these concepts within this timeframe.

Grade 3

  • Time Estimate: 5 to 7 months

  • Details: This grade introduces compound time signatures and minor scales, which can be more challenging. Students might need extra time to fully grasp these concepts and apply them in various contexts.

Grade 4

  • Time Estimate: 6 to 8 months

  • Details: Students encounter more complex time signatures and harmonic concepts. The learning curve can be steeper, so a longer period of study is typically required to understand and apply these advanced concepts effectively.

Grade 5

  • Time Estimate: 7 to 10 months

  • Details: This grade involves a comprehensive understanding of music theory, including all key signatures, advanced harmony, and complex transposition. It often requires a more extended period of study and practice to master all the material thoroughly.

Additional Considerations

  • Lesson Frequency: Regular, weekly lessons are typically more effective than infrequent sessions. Homework and practice between lessons are crucial for reinforcing concepts.

  • Individual Pace: Each student learns at their own pace. Some may progress faster or slower depending on their background and how quickly they grasp new concepts.

  • Preparation for Exams: If preparing for ABRSM exams, additional time for mock exams and review might be necessary.

In total, progressing from Grades 1 to 5 typically takes around 2 to 3 years, depending on individual pace and dedication.

Our structured lessons are designed to build your theoretical knowledge and practical skills efficiently and effectively.

These courses are conducted online via Zoom, making them accessible from anywhere. Each session is 1 hour long and takes place

once a week, allowing you to learn at a steady and manageable pace.

For more details about enrolling in any Legato Courses and to discuss your individual learning needs, please contact Miss Agata.

She will be happy to provide you with additional information and help you get started on your musical journey.

 

Composition

Legato Applied Composition Course

The Significance of Applied Composition

Creating original music is a powerful form of self-expression that enhances your understanding of musical concepts.

This course emphasises the practical application of theory, using the piano as a dynamic tool to turn abstract ideas into

tangible music. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, you’ll be empowered to transform your musical ideas into

fully realised compositions.

Our Practical Composition course is an immersive and hands-on program designed for aspiring composers and musicians who wish to deepen their understanding of music theory and apply it directly to the creative process. Using the piano as a primary tool, this course

will guide you through the essential concepts of composition, enabling you to create your own original music by the end of the program.

Course Highlights:

Understanding Music Theory Through Practice

  • This course focuses on applying fundamental music theory concepts directly to composition. You’ll learn about scales, chords, chord progressions, and form, all while exploring how these elements come together to create a cohesive piece of music.

Composing Melodies and Harmonies

  • Develop your ability to craft memorable melodies and harmonies. Through guided exercises at the piano, you’ll learn how to create themes, develop motifs, and harmonise your melodies effectively.

Exploring Different Styles and Genres

  • Gain insights into various musical styles and genres, from classical to contemporary. You’ll explore how to adapt your compositional techniques to suit different musical contexts, helping you to find and refine your own unique voice as a composer.

Structuring a Musical Composition

  • Learn the principles of musical structure and form, including binary, ternary, rondo, and sonata forms. Understanding these frameworks will help you organise your musical ideas into a well-structured and engaging composition.

Piano as a Compositional Tool

  • Utilize the piano to experiment with harmonies, melodies, and textures. This hands-on approach allows you to hear your ideas in real-time and make adjustments as you compose, making the piano an invaluable tool in your creative process.

Developing a Personal Composition

  • Over the course of 6 weeks, you’ll work on creating your own original composition. Weekly assignments and in-class activities will guide you step by step, from initial concept to a finished piece. By the end of the course, you’ll have a completed composition ready for performance or further refinement.

Course Structure:

  • 6-Week Program: Each session builds upon the last, ensuring a progressive and thorough understanding of compositional techniques.

  • 2 Months Post-Course Support: After completing the 6-week program, you’ll receive an additional 2 months of support from your tutor. This includes consultations and feedback as you finalize your composition, ensuring you have expert guidance throughout the creative process.

  • Interactive and Personalized Learning: The course is designed to be highly interactive, with personalized feedback and guidance tailored to your individual needs and musical goals. Whether you’re new to composing or looking to refine your skills, this course will help you achieve your aspirations.

Enrol today to embark on your journey as a composer, and take advantage of our post-course support to see your creative vision come to life!

For more details about enrolling in Legato Courses and to discuss your individual learning needs, please contact Miss Agata.

She will be happy to provide you with additional information and help you get started on your musical journey.

Aural

Legato Aural Training Course

Why Aural Training Matters?

Aural skills are the foundation of all musical learning and performance. They enhance your ability to understand and interpret music, whether you’re playing an instrument, singing, or composing. Strong aural skills also improve your sight-reading, improvisation, and overall musical expression.

Our Aural Training course is meticulously designed to equip students with the critical listening skills necessary for success in music exams, particularly those administered by ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music).

Whether you're preparing for graded exams or simply looking to improve your overall musicianship, this course provides a comprehensive approach to developing your aural abilities.

Course Highlights:

Listening to Musical Features

  • Develop your ability to identify and describe key musical elements such as dynamics, articulation, tempo, and phrasing. Understanding how these elements contribute to the character and mood of a piece is crucial, especially as you progress to higher grades.

Melodic and Rhythmic Repetition

  • Practice repeating short melodic phrases played by the instructor, an essential skill tested in ABRSM exams. This exercise sharpens your memory and pitch accuracy, which are vital for recognising patterns in music.

Sight-Singing

  • Improve your ability to sing back a melody at sight, as required in ABRSM exams. We’ll cover how to navigate different intervals, time signatures, and key changes, ensuring that you can confidently and accurately perform this task under exam conditions.

Recognising Modulations and Chord Progressions

  • Learn to identify key changes (modulations) and the use of different chord progressions within a piece. This aspect of the course will deepen your understanding of harmonic structure, which is a focus in the higher grades of ABRSM exams.

Identifying Cadences and Intervals

  • Train your ear to recognise perfect, imperfect, plagal, and interrupted cadences, as well as intervals between notes. This knowledge is particularly emphasised in the ABRSM syllabus from Grade 5 onwards.

Understanding Musical Style and Periods

  • Explore the characteristics of music from different historical periods, such as Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th/21st Century. This will help you describe the stylistic features of a piece, a skill required in the upper ABRSM grades.

Enhancing Response Skills

  • Engage in exercises designed to improve your ability to respond to musical elements in real-time, a key aspect of the aural tests in ABRSM exams. This includes recognizing changes in texture, identifying instruments or voices, and describing the mood or character of the music.

Course Structure:

  • Weekly 1h session. Length of this course can vary based on several factors, including the student's prior knowledge, aptitude, and the frequency of lessons. Estimated duration: 3 to 4 months.

  • Personalised Feedback: Receive individualised guidance and feedback to ensure steady progress. We cater to students at all levels, from beginners to those preparing for advanced grades.

  • Exam-Focused Practice: Specific exercises are tailored to meet the requirements of the ABRSM syllabus, ensuring you are well-prepared for the aural component of your exams.

Enrol today to build a strong Aural foundation and Excel in Your Musical Journey!

For more details about enrolling in Legato Courses and to discuss your individual learning needs, please contact Miss Agata.

She will be happy to provide you with additional information and help you get started on your musical journey.

Legato Music School London 2025
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