- This event has passed.
One Half Step at a Time
January 19 @ 1:00 pm – February 9 @ 3:00 pm MST
Mondays
Learn every musical scale by using one formula (well, kind of)!
During this 4-week class, students will learn the “whole step, half step” formula they can use to play major and minor scales on the keyboard without needing to memorize what notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, etc.) belong to each scale.
Teaching will primarily be achieved using the following combination of tools:
- an instrument (keyboard),
- presentations (lecture with visual content),
- a workbook (to work on during and outside of class) and,
- discussion (about music theory).
Please note, this class is best suited for artists who:
- are interested in learning a foundational level of music theory (artists that have been involved in other music programming at the NaAC might find this class useful in building foundational theoretical knowledge);
- can use the internet independently (or with support) to reference musical concepts;
- are comfortable using a workbook;
- are comfortable with tasks that require focused attention, memorization, repetition, and the development of fine motor skills.
While artists are not required to own or bring an instrument, studying material between sessions is strongly recommended to make meaningful progress throughout this class.
An instrument will be provided to artists by the NaAC to facilitate the application of class material.
About the Facilitator: Ado Nkemka
Ado Nkemka (A.N.) is a musician and multidisciplinary writer (playwriting, journalism, poetry). Through her work, she interrogates power while improving her relationship to self and to the world. She has performed at One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo, Sled Island Music Festival, SoundOFF Summit, and has toured regionally. Her music has been broadcasted across Canadian radio stations including CBC, CKUA, X.92.9, UMFM. She most recently brought her play “I’m Not Afraid to Die Anymore, The Pop-Rock Musical” to Calgary Fringe 2025.