Practical Counterpoint Music Theory

Practical Counterpoint Music Theory

This is a practical course, in which you’ll learn how to write Baroque and early Classical-style counterpoint from a modern approach. 

*** This course is not about "Species Counterpoint", which is a very theoretical approach and is based on an earlier, Renaissance style. This course looks very briefly at how species counterpoint works, but focuses mainly on writing in the later, more creative Baroque and early classical style.***

You’ll first understand the elements that go into creating an effective solo melody line, and then add a second part while looking at how the parts combine with each other in terms of melody, rhythm and harmony. 

You’ll also learn about three- and four-part counterpoint, invertible counterpoint, and some of the typical composition forms like the fugue and the trio sonata.

You’ll find this course in-depth and both accessible and practical, and by the end you’ll feel confident composing your own contrapuntal music in a Baroque style.

Counterpoint, or the art of weaving together multiple melodies, began in the Renaissance era but flourished in the Baroque, when Johann Sebastian Bach was at his height. 

From that time on, counterpoint has been a composition technique used throughout all the eras and it's still a hugely important skill today.

The course includes a downloadable PDF with lesson notes, musical examples and practical exercises for you to work through yourself.

Compose polyphonic music in a Baroque or early Classical-style style

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What you will learn

• You will be able to write polyphonic music in up to four voices.
• You will be able to tackle forms such as the fugue with more confidence.
• You will have a good understanding of the principles behind contrapuntal music of the Baroque/early classical style.

Rating: 4.9

Level: Expert Level

Duration: 2.5 hours

Instructor: Victoria Williams LmusTCL BA(Mus)