For students ages 13+. Preparation for Virginia Music Teachers Forum State Theory Test, Level IV. Test is given in January by the local music teachers organization and is optional for student participants.
This class includes some use of materials prepared for the Virginia Music Teachers Forum State Theory Test, Levels IV and V. Tests are administered in January by the local music teachers organization and are optional for fall student participants. State entry fee for tests are not included with class tuition.
Available both in-person and online.
Fall 2026
- Instructor: Sarah Benson
- Meeting Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Weekday: Mondays
- Location: Diehn Center for the Performing Arts, Room 2118
- Dates: 9/28 – 12/7
- Price: $275.00
Spring 2027
- Instructor: Sarah Benson
- Meeting Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Weekday: Mondays
- Location: Diehn Center for the Performing Arts, Room 2118
- Dates: 1/25 – 3/22
- Price: $275.00
Sarah Benson earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï in 2024 and a Masters of Music Education with a concentration in Pedagogy in 2026 from ±¬ÁϹÏ. Sarah played the violin in the ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï Symphony throughout her college career, and has taught private studio lessons since 2022, teaching all string instruments.
Also in college, Sarah was in multiple quartets and musical groups, such as the New Music Ensemble. In middle school and high school, Sarah was a violinist in the Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia. Currently, she is applying for Virginia Beach City Public Schools and Chesapeake City Public Schools to be a strings/orchestra teacher.
Materials provided by instructor.
Children's Music Theory OR Intermediate-Level Vocal or Instrumental training.
Live, in-class lecture.
Prepare the students to:
- Analyze the material they are working on.
- Understand the key signature, major/minor keys, Circle of Fifths, scale writing.
- Understand Time Signatures and Rhythms.
- Recognize intervals by ear and notation.
- Understand Triads.
Prepares the students to pass Level IV for VMTF exams in January.
Ages 13 to Adult.
Sarah Benson earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï in 2024 and a Masters of Music Education with a concentration in Pedagogy in 2026 from ±¬ÁϹÏ. Sarah played the violin in the ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï Symphony throughout her college career, and has taught private studio lessons since 2022, teaching all string instruments.
Also in college, Sarah was in multiple quartets and musical groups, such as the New Music Ensemble. In middle school and high school, Sarah was a violinist in the Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia. Currently, she is applying for Virginia Beach City Public Schools and Chesapeake City Public Schools to be a strings/orchestra teacher.
Materials provided by instructor.
Children's Music Theory OR Intermediate-Level Vocal or Instrumental training.
Live, in-class lecture.
Prepare the students to:
- Analyze the material they are working on.
- Understand the key signature, major/minor keys, Circle of Fifths, scale writing.
- Understand Time Signatures and Rhythms.
- Recognize intervals by ear and notation.
- Understand Triads.
Prepares the students to pass Level IV for VMTF exams in January.
Ages 13 to Adult.
Cancellation
To withdraw from a course you must send a request in writing to oducmd@odu.edu or call 757-683-4075 one business day prior to the start date of the course. Failure to attend a course does not constitute withdrawal. Course registration fees, less a $25 processing fee will be refunded via check per ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï policy (we are unable to return money to a debit or credit card). There are no refunds once the class has begun.