Music Theory & Aural Training

Lesson Formats

I offer online lessons primarily for young students currently in their final years of high school in China. Using Zoom and Tencent Meeting, I employ a graphic tablet and a MIDI keyboard as teaching aids to ensure clear and effective instruction.

Core Subjects: Music Theory & Aural Training

My teaching focuses on General Music Theory and Aural Training (Ear Training) . Having researched the entrance exam requirements of various German music universities (e.g., Hochschule für Musik Freiburg), I know that all of them include theory and aural tests. Some also require oral exams in these subjects, testing the applicant's ability to communicate basic music theory concepts in German.

Theory Curriculum

Based on exam analysis, my theory lessons cover:

Note names, rhythm, intervals

Triads, seventh chords, church modes, the overtone series

Basic harmony: function theory, dominant seventh chord resolution, four-part writing (SATB)

Figured bass, simple musical analysis (phrase structure, form, minuet)

Aural Training & Materials

Many students struggle with recognizing chord progressions, often due to a lack of knowledge in four-part writing. I have therefore created my own exercise materials using Sibelius to target these specific areas. These form the foundation of my teaching, supplemented by recommended textbooks.

Composition Support

As a composition graduate, I also support aspiring composers with creative work and analysis. For this, I use resources such as the Spieltechnik-Series (Bärenreiter Verlag) and Harmonielehre im Selbststudium by Thomas Krämer.

My Goal

Seeing my students pass their entrance exams and begin their bachelor studies in Germany with greater confidence gives me a strong sense of fulfillment and pride.