Staff Notation

• Bass Clef.
  
  Interpreting the lines, spaces and ledger lines of the 4 most common clefs in standard Western music notation (treble, bass, tenor and alto clef) is the basis of music theory.
  
  

Scale Theory

• Alto Clef.
  
  Major and minor scale theory is not only a matter of simple memorization of the circle of 5ths, but it is also important in terms of the function of leading tone, tonic and dominant functions.
  
  

Voice Leading Rules

• Tenor Clef.
  
  Understanding the function of each scale degree also pertains to notes that do not occur in a scalar fashion (i.e., leaps). Voice leading refers to the guidelines in which common practice Western harmony approaches these leaps in 4-part harmony.
  
  

Chord Theory: Tonic

• Grand Staff.
  
  Basic chord theory of Tonic functioning chords should be limited at this point to I, i and the first inversion of these 2 chords.
  
  

Chord Theory: Pre-Dominant Function

• Mary Had a Little Lamb.
  
  Pre-Dominant chord theory should be limited (in major and minor modes) to IV (and iv), vi (and VI), and ii fully diminished.
  
  

Chord Theory: Dominant Function

• J.S. Bach
  
  Dominant chord function should refer to V and second inversion I and i 6/4 chords. Advanced theory should also include chromatic applied and 7th chords.