The Theory Program

Open your ears to deeper musical understanding and enhance your playing skills by working regularly this fall with the building blocks of music! MYA’s Saturday and Sunday theory classes focus on active listening experiences as well as written concepts.  Worksheets provide opportunities to practice concepts from class and to write your own music. During the school year classes meet weekly on Saturdays or Sundays on a schedule closely related to ensemble rehearsal times.  For more information on what is covered in the different levels see below.

Any student over 7 years old who studies an instrument and possesses basic music reading knowledge may participate. Parents and other MYA friends are invited to participate as well! Tuition is waived for all MYA members. Initial class enrollment is based on a skills assessment quiz. In order to be placed in a theory class, all new students must take the assessment quiz. Exceptions are made for younger students who have had no previous theory training - generally these students begin in the Musicianship I class. Students may only move into the next higher level class by passing a proficiency test (in both written and aural skills), regardless of whether they move into a higher level orchestra!  Exceptions are made for students who have moved into Concert orchestra. Students who are enrolled in MYA ensembles do NOT have to complete a seperate registration for Music Theory.

Theory classes are also available for students who do not participate in an MYA ensemble. If you are interested, please click the link below.

Register for Music Theory ONLY 


Classes are taught every week by Mr. Steven Stenzel. Mr. Kupfer is on sabbatical this year.

Fall 2010

Welcome back for another fun semester of theory!  Class placements are determined, as usual, in different ways, depending on whether a student is new or returning:

New Students:

Returning Students:

Placement quizzes will be given on Saturday, September 11. The quiz should take around 30 minutes.  Class placements will be posted here on the theory page and theory classes will begin September 25. 

Class Times on Saturday

Taught by Steven Stenzel (all classes taught in Theory room).  These times are subject to change due to enrollment and student placement:

Taught by Patrick Pearson (in the basement):

Voices Rising Theory

Vocal Musicianship Classes: Offered on Sunday before and after Voices Rising rehearsals.

Jazz Theory Courses:

Jazz Theory and History Classes are free to MYA Jazz Students.Explore the history of jazz music while gaining a deeper understanding of music theory and ear training as it relates to jazz improvisation.

Course Descriptions

Musicianship I

Musicianship II

College Prep I

College Prep II

Music Theory Program

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