Welcome to Parnasso Music!
Welcome to Parnasso Music Teaching Studio.
We offer expert instruction in music theory, harmony, counterpoint and musical analysis.
As well as a systematic ear training program designed to help students connect with the music they play and refine their musicianship.
Inquiries concerning in-person as well as optimized online-lessons welcome!
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
A well-rounded and broad-based approach — emphasizing theoretical, historical and practical and aural-cognitive aspects in equal measure.
Opporunistic teaching — engaging students’ curiosity by helping them ask interesting questions on topics they are passionate about and seizing each ‘teacheable moment’ to foster greater engagement with the material.
Teaching by example: through demonstration of different problem-solving approches, through examining carefully chosen musical examples and models, and through personally conveying the excitement and a love of learning.
Expert, detailed, encouraging feedback on all written assignments — enabling students to better gauge their own performance and take ownership of their progress.
AREAS OF INSTRUCTION
Theory Rudiments
* This is an introductory course on the rudiments of music theory
* Designed to engage and develop students’ familiarity with the elements of music, notation, and reading/writing skills.
* Special emphasis is placed on simultaneousy developing essential keyboard skills, haptic/mental imagery of keyboard and skills necessary for the study of harmony.
RCM Level 8 Theory;
ABRSM Music Theory Grade 5
Harmony & Counterpoint
* Uncover the logical syntax of music and learn about the stylistic evolution and compositional techniques of composers of the common-practice era.
* Develop analytic and compositional skills through the study of select musical excerpts and model-composition exercises.
* Recevie expertly delivered learning modules and prompt suggestions and feedback on all homework assignments to gauge your understanding.
RCM 9, 10, ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint Exams;
ABRSM Music Theory Grades 6-8
Musical Analysis
* Develop skills necessary understand musical works from various perspectives.
* Uncover the function various musical elements play in constituting a masterpiece.
* Learn about the treatment of basic musical elements in the creation of a stylistic undercurrent: harmony, form, phrasing, motivic manipulation and developing variations.
* Develop the capacity to independently analyze, describe and articulate discoveries in new pieces from different eras, varying musical languages.
RCM ARCT Analysis Exam
Musicianship & Ear Training
* A systematic, step-by-step guide to levelling up musicianship and aural skills.
* Improve ability to discriminate and identify, memorize, recall various musical elements.
* Develop mental hearing, auditory imagery, solfeggio, keyboard skills and sight-reading abilities.
In-semester regular tutorials as well as pre-exam supplemental prep available.
RCM (various levels) Practical Exams Ear Test/Sight Reading;
ABRSM (various levels) Aural Test;
Post-secondary/College placement & admissions ear tests
Music History
* A survey and introduction to the lives and works of the most influential musicians and composers from the Middle Ages to the present.
* Develop the language needed to describe evolutions in musical style through close-listening and score analysis.
* Online-Learning facilitated through engaging lectures, multimedia presentations, learning games, detailed take-home notes and learning assessment activities.
We’ve elected to follow the RCM History syllabi; supplementary material that enhance engagement and retention are regularly provided.
RCM 9、10、ARCT History Exams
AP Music Theory
* A multifaceted music course at the first semester/year post-secondary level incoporating theory & harmony knowledge, history and musical style survey, and aural skills training.
* Option for advanced college credits and university application supplements.
* Expertly delievered by experienced instructor with many opportunities for self-assessment and exam prep feedback. Suitable for candidates with a first course in hamorny.
Next Exam Cycle:Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 12:00 pm
Advanced Topics in Music Theory
* This course was developed with the intention of introducing advanced concepts in music theory and analysis to well-prepared and interested high-school students.
* Select historically important and mainstream research tools in music theory are made accessible through concise lectures and exercises.
* A gentle introduction to interesting current research and opporunity to apply the tools to music students are passionate about.
Topics include:
1. Theories of Harmonic and Formal Functions
2. Schenkerian Analysis
3. Transformational Theory
4. Sonata Theory
5. Theory of Rhythm and Meter
Keyboard Repertoire & Performance Practice
* This course of study is offered to students wishing a first in-depth look at historically-informed performance practice.
* Students are invited to bring in repertoire they have on hand; classes include close-reading, analysis, and presentation of relevant historical treatises on the style and performance of early/Classical music.
* Topics include: musical foreground/background, form, articulation, phrasing, tempi, agogics, pedalling, and methods of characterization.
* We will look at ornamentation vis-a-vis different eras and composer: “willkirliche” and “wesentliche” Manieren, Baroque and Classical improvisational practices, Partimenti, Classical cadenzas, and interpretation of dance-movements.
Exam Prep &
Academics
* Expert guidance and feedback all on aspects of music academics, and school application, entrance/ diagnostic theory and aural exams.
* Professional and detailed mock-exam assessment and feedback on RCM, ABRSM, Trinity exams.
* Guidance on North American and German/ European harmony and terminological tradition in university entrance prep.
* Composition portfolio prep.
MEET THE TEACHER
Ben Liao
B.Mus. McGill University Schulich School of Music, Music Theory and Piano Performance;
B.A. McGill University Faculty of Arts, Philosophy, Art History
St. Andrews University, Department of Philosophy, Post-graduate Research
RCM Advanced Theory Specialist Certification
Ben has been involved in music education for close to ten years. In that time, he has earned a reputation among students and parents for professional and engaging class delivery and prompt, encouraging feedback on all student questions and homeworks.
Ben has expertise many areas of music theory, ear-training and music composition across different genres and styles. He has helped 100+ students at different levels attain their musical, extracurricular, and academic goals. His solid academic background and wealth of professional experience unables him to offer detailed advice on learning strategies, expectations of exams and college placement in the above areas of instruction.
If you are interested in studying with Ben, please get in touch below!
CONTACT INFO
Location
The majority of classes are delivered online via Zoom video conferencing. Students choosing this option can count on: multimedia presentations and lectures, flexible online office hours, online homework submission and detailed grading/feedback.
For those who wish to learn face-to-face or opt for an online/in-person hybrid model, the studio is located in North Burnaby, two minutes away from SFU: see map
Contact
Phone: (604) 421-4312
Mobile: (778) 939-6948
Email: info@parnassostudios.com
WeChat ID: bhpliao
WhatsApp: Ben Liao CA+1 (604) 652-6948
*Thank you for your interest! If you prefer speaking on the phone, kindly notify us by sending a short message to [Mobile] introudcing yourself, we’ll return your call asap!