Music Theory and Aural Skills 1

Grades 7-Adult
Daniel Sawler
Room: MSH 221

Five Sections:
Tuesday – 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday – 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Thursday- 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Saturday –  10:30–11:30 a.m.
World Campus Online Section – Section full for the 2024-25 school year

Tuition D*
*FREE with a full semester of weekly lessons!
This is a yearlong course divided into two semesters, beginning in September.

Music Theory and Aural Skills 1 is a foundational course that builds theory knowledge and fills gaps in fundamental music understanding. Beginning with clef reading (treble, alto, tenor, bass), students progress through a study of pitch, rhythm, keys, modes, intervals, and a brief introduction to chords.

Relevant Aural Skills are used to introduce each topic. Students will learn to match pitch, perform basic rhythms, and sing major and minor key melodies.

Please contact instructor, Daniel Sawler, with any questions: dsawler@esm.rochester.edu.

If you are considering taking Music Theory and Aural Skills 1, please download the ECMS Theory Placement Exam (pdf) and complete it at home.

When you have completed the test, you can either:

  1. Scan it to Daniel Sawler at dsawler@esm.rochester.edu; or
  2. Give it to the ECMS office, Messinger Hall, room 321.

How to Register

New students and students registering after mid-September: ECMS Registration Form 

Continuing ECMS students may re-register online from May until September.

Paper registration forms available upon request: (585) 274-1400

Once registered, students may begin attending classes. The only registration confirmation you will receive is your bill. You may log on to check your registrations at any time. Click here for complete details on registration and policies.