Music theory is an integral part of any music program.
As a Bachelor of Music student at NIU, you will complete four semesters of music theory and aural skills. These core courses help you to understand how music works: to see the music you hear and hear the music you see. Music theory is the "how and why" of music; it involves learning the vocabulary and elements of music and how to apply them to gain a deeper understanding of musical tendencies and structure. Topics of study begin with fundamentals (key signatures, scales, intervals, etc.) and quickly progress to more advanced, analytic concepts (harmony, figured bass, part-writing, form, etc.).
Aural skills involves learning how to identify and understand musical elements by ear. Many of the concepts in music theory are reinforced from an aural perspective. One of the tools used in aural skills is solmization (assigning syllables to each note of a scale to sing; e.g. do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do for a major scale). We use a "moveable-do" system, which means do is always do, no matter what key or mode (major, minor, or other).
Before classes begin, you can best prepare for music theory by familiarizing yourself with music theory fundamentals as mentioned above and sharpening your singing abilities by practicing moveable-do solmization.
There are many ways to prepare for the four-semester core classes in theory and aural skills:
You may want to explore the textbook we use for all semesters of music theory (The Musician's Guide to Theory and Analysis, latest edition) paying close attention to the contents of the first several chapters.
A popular online music theory resource offers excellent explanations and practice exercises for fundamental concepts.
Teoria provides similar exercises and reinforcement of fundamental concepts. Additionally, Teoria has helpful sight-singing practice exercises.
Musical U is another great resource for practicing aural skills and solmization.
Questions? Contact David Maki, D.M.A. at dmaki@niu.edu.