Kjell E asked 5 years ago
Hello there,
I’m sorry if this has been asked before but I couldn’t not see an answer.
I’m very much considering getting the Comp 101 course, but I’m curious about it’s actual prerequisites.
On the signup page it says I have to be able to read notes and that’s all, but when I look at the Free course I become a bit sceptic because you go straight from talking about melodies to using music theory terms like “5ths, 4ths, dominant, subdominant” and more, without explaining what these are first.
Does the 101 course cover the needed music theory to understand all of this or am I expected to have some knowledge of music theory beyond just being able to read notes?
I do know some basic theory, but I just don’t want to spend money on another course that uses language that I am not familiar with yet without explaining it. I do also intend on learning theory, so if it’s needed I’ll just have to come back to the 101 course once I’ve got the basics covered if it’s needed?
Thanks for some very useful free content!
Best regards,
Kjell Eilertsen
Jon Brantingham Staff answered 5 years ago
Kjell,
The pacing on the 101 course is generally slower and more in depth. To put it in perspective, the free course is about 50 minutes of lesson time, with video 8 being more practical application of techniques.
101 on the other hand has about 9 hours of actually lesson videos, as well as additional videos where I walk you through many of the exercises.
I believe if you go through the exercises, and you ask me questions along the way, attend the symposiums, and actually put the techniques to work composing you will be able to make it through just fine.
With that being said, I am always looking to improve the course, and so if anything isn’t clear, I can always add additional lessons to the course to make sure it is clear.
Kjell E answered 5 years ago
Ok, thanks for your reply!
Another followup question, would you say that completing the free course is “pointless” if I intend on getting the 101 course anyways?
Jon Brantingham Staff answered 5 years ago
I wouldn’t say pointless, as it could help to reinforce concepts, but it isn’t necessary to complete if you are going to sign up for the full 101 course.