Theory & Ear Training Lessons
Want to write your own songs, or lift the ones you love straight onto your instrument? Learning to listen gets you there faster. Two courses — for any instrument, any level — in London or online worldwide.
Theory is simply the ideas musicians before us found to sound good — grouped together so we can learn them quickly, instead of spending years rediscovering them ourselves.
Whatever instrument you play, theory and ear training help you listen to your own ideas and other people’s, and find them on your instrument. Music is a listening art, not a visual one — which is why theory isn’t the same as sight-reading. You can know all the theory in the world and still not read a note. What these courses build is the ear.
Pick the path
that fits your goal.
Know It, Hear It!
Practical, hands-on theory and ear-training to find the melodies in your head — and off your favourite songs — onto your instrument. A group course, with no sight-reading.
Music Theory Graded Exams
Prepare for popular or classical theory exams, in a group or one-to-one — at mine, at yours or online. This course does involve sight-reading.
How songs are built
How scales and chords are built, relate to each other, and turn up in real riffs and melodies.
Rhythm you can feel
Figure out the rhythm of a song and tap it straight back.
Post-1950 pop & rock
The harmony and language of modern popular music, and how keys change.
Graded syllabi
ABRSM / LCM classical theory to Grade 5, or LCM Popular Music Theory to Grade 8.
Who it’s for
Anyone studying any instrument — and everyone is welcome, including musicians and singers who aren’t students of mine. The only prerequisite is a love for music, and the courses run from beginner to advanced. Suggested daily practice depends on your grade.
These group lessons in practical theory are the fastest way to understand your one-to-one lessons and get far more out of them. You’ll learn to hear how chords and scales are used in songs, which gives you a solid grip on contemporary music whatever your level on your instrument. We focus on how scales and chords are built, how they relate and how they turn up in riffs and melodies; how to work out and tap back the rhythm of a song; the harmony of post-1950 pop and rock; and how songs change key. You can reach the next level in just 12 lessons.
How lessons are delivered
We use a mix of paper (mostly for the graded exams), software (to help you identify melodies and chords) and an instrument — your choice of keyboards, guitar, bass or ukulele. For the graded route, choose between ABRSM or LCM classical music theory up to Grade 5, or LCM Popular Music Theory up to Grade 8.
Where lessons happen
In-studio in London SE16, at your place anywhere in TfL Zone 3, or live online worldwide over Skype. When the weather’s kind, studio lessons can even move out to a private front garden. Get in touch and we’ll pick what fits you best.
Simple, honest rates.
| Payment plan | Per lesson | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Standard two instalments of £90 | £15 | £180 |
| 12 sessions upfront best value | £12.50 | £150 |
Note: these are the theory-course rates. For one-to-one instrument lesson prices and blocks, see the full fees →
Ready to train your ear?
Tell me your instrument and whether you’re after Know It Hear It! or the graded exams. I’ll get you started.