This beginner-friendly course introduces the fundamentals of music notation and theory, including note reading, clefs, rhythm, intervals, scales, and familiar chord progressions.

This class is perfect for:

Beginners curious about how music works
Parents or teachers helping kids with music lessons
Self-taught musicians ready to fill gaps in their knowledge
Community music ensemble members who want to improve their reading and music theory understanding (Flagstaff Community Band, Orchestra Northern Arizona, Master Chorale of Flagstaff, etc.)
Lifelong learners exploring a creative new hobby

Through a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises, we'll spend three weeks:

Decoding notes on the staff
Clapping and counting rhythms
Singing intervals and simple melodies
Identifying common chord patterns

In addition, you’ll receive curated practice sheets, recommended practice apps and websites, and listening examples to reinforce skills between sessions. By the end, you’ll have the tools to read sheet music.

Class meets Mondays and Thursdays: June 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19; from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Instructor Caitlin McCready is a professional horn player, educator, and arts administrator based in Flagstaff. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Music at Arizona State University. Before moving to Flagstaff, Caitlin spent four years at Southeast Missouri State University, where she taught music theory and aural skills.

An advocate for adult learning and community music, Caitlin is also the Executive Director of the Flagstaff Community Band.

When not doing all of that, Caitlin also performs regularly with the Flagstaff Symphony and other orchestras throughout AZ, NV, and CO.