Music Theory SOS
Need a music theory tutor?
Music Theory
SOS
is here
to help you!
If you're struggling with any of the following, you've come to the right place for world-class music theory tutoring!
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Theory concepts
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Homework assignments
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Test prep
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AP Theory prep
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Research papers
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Aural skills
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Keyboard skills
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Composition
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Placement and admissions tests
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Academic and career guidance
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Entire Courses—from rudiments through advanced topics, including Form & Analysis, Counterpoint, Post-Tonal Theory, and Schenkerian Analysis
In our Zoom lessons I can help you achieve your goals!
Hi! I'm Tim Cutler. I've been teaching music theory for thirty years at schools including Yale University, the Oberlin Conservatory, and the Cleveland Institute of Music. I began life as a violinist and composer before falling in love with music theory. I have degrees in composition and music theory from the Oberlin Conservatory and a PhD in music theory from Yale University. My principal theory teachers were Carl Schachter, Allen Forte, and William Rothstein. I've published two books—Anthology of Music for Analysis and Bending the Rules of Music Theory—and many articles. I am the creator of www.musictheoryexamples.com, the most comprehensive anthology of theory examples on the Internet. For many years I was on the grading committee for the AP music theory exam. I also served as a pre-concert lecturer for the Cleveland Orchestra and have compositions recorded on ERM Media's “Masterworks of the New Era” series.
Recent Student Evaluations
—Professor Cutler is an amazing teacher. He is clear and emphasizes important aspects of music theory in different ways with lots of awesome musical examples. This made class really fun because I was able to apply what I learned when playing in orchestra, listening to music, and connecting music theory to various aspects of life including the arts and sciences. (12/2020)
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—Dr. Cutler explains theory in all different ways so if you don't get something one way, you will understand it another way. His enthusiasm about the subject matter always inspires me and makes me curious to learn more. (5/2019)
—I would especially like to compliment Dr. Cutler on how he helps us practice dictation and sight singing. He breaks it down in really useful ways that can help everyone feel like they can be successful. I was really worried about dictation going into this semester but because of how he taught it I found a lot more success than I thought I would. (12/2018)
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—Every moment of his class is filled to the brim with musical wisdom. He can explain everything in several ways to ensure all students, regardless of learning style, can understand fully. His teaching inspires me. I wish the entire world had teachers like Dr. Cutler—no matter the profession. His patience and thoroughness are unparalleled. (5/2021)
