AMusTCL Explained is the only complete study guide for candidates wanting to take the Trinity Music Theory Diploma.See https: //mymusictheory.com/amustcl-explained-a-mymusictheory-handbook/ for example pages from this book!Contents: 1. Baroque ChoralesLutheran chorales form the basis of traditional SATB study in the AMusTCL exam.Learn how chorales are built, examining their melody, rhythm and harmony in great depth. Explore the handling of cadences, the full harmonic vocabulary of the Baroque era including suitable added 7th chords, and demonstrate the types of melodic decoration that are stylistic for the period.Includes advice regarding tackling the AMusTCL exam question. Practice questions are provided.2. Classical OrchestrationWe investigate how the orchestral families combine to create the opaque textures typical of this era and also delve into the history of brass instruments, transposition, and why they were written without key signatures.We decode the AMusTCL "short-score" representation of the musical material, and disentangle the parts to make a coherent reconstruction.3. Romantic PianoforteWe complete a piano piece in the appropriate style, using the common features of the period, and those specific to the piece itself.We define the harmony of Romantic era, and place it in its historical context. topics include mediant progressions and modulations, motifs and modal interchange. Several complete, analysed piano pieces are given, looking at the architecture, structure, harmony, phrase building, ebb-and-flow, and compositional devices. We clarify where and why the more traditional "rules" of harmony might be relaxed.4. Popular SongAnother piano-based question in a later style (20th century). You'll be writing an accompaniment part for a given vocal line, including writing some of the vocal part.Part of a piece of music is provided: you will complete it in a consistent style, showing your knowledge of the more modern chords used in this genre, such as added 6th/7th chords and tritone substitutions.Learn how to set a vocal text to musical notes by placing the stressed syllables correctly, and discover the common mistakes that candidates make when attempting this question.5. 20th Century CompositionA piece for a solo instrument of your choice, based on a given opening which will be in a key system which is not part of the typical major/minor system.We explore a number of alternative key systems, e.g. the modes, whole tone scales, pentatonic music, serialism and free chromaticism, and we look at how to avoid sound too "traditional".We explore architecture in composition, e.g. tension and release, how to shape phrases when traditional cadences are not available, and how to build a composition into a meaningful form, as well as exploring inventing new forms.We look at modern innovations in notation used to write down novel techniques, explaining how to write idiomatically for any instrument.Section B: Prescribed WorksDetailed guidance on how to select, research and analyse any piece on the prescribed works list. This section is packed with tips about where to find music, how to organise your studies, and precisely what questions you need to try to answer. Examples show how to analyse your set works.An example of a complete essay which would score well in the exam is provided.Written by Victoria Williams, holder of the AMusTCL qualification with distinction
