ABRSM - Music Theory Class Spring Semester 2025
​REGISTRATION FORM BELOW

Music theory study adds greatly to the overall understanding of music. Students study the language of music from the basic fundamentals to more advanced compositional elements and practices, all while reinforcing music reading, rhythm, and aural skills.

​Based on the internationally-recognized Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) music theory curriculum, 
students can prepare for written tests in music theory (Grades 1-8) administered by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), if desired. ABRSM theory exams Grades 1-5 are taken online and can be scheduled on demand at any time of year
The Westerhoff School will arrange for students to take the exam when they demonstrate readiness. 

---

Class Schedule and Fees

Classes meet Saturdays, 10:30- 11:30 AM on these dates: 
February 8, 22
March 8, 22
April 5, 26
May 11, 17, 31
June 7

Tuition: $300 ($30 per class), $20 registration fee waived for current Westerhoff students. 

*In general, at least two semesters of in-person study are recommended for students to complete preparation for an exam. Virtual classes can be requested only as needed.
​
Classes will be taught by Dr. Carl Bettendorf. Biography below.

---

Dr. Carl Bettendorf

Carl Christian Bettendorf is a New York-based composer/conductor. Born in Hamburg, Germany, he studied composition with Hans-Jürgen von Bose and Wolfgang Rihm before receiving his doctorate from Columbia University under Tristan Murail. Bettendorf’s compositions have been played at many prestigious venues and festivals on four continents. He has received numerous awards, among them a fellowship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD); residencies at the Cité Internationale des  Arts (Paris), the Villa Concordia (Bamberg, Germany), the KHN Center (Nebraska), MacDowell (N.H.), and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts; and commissions from the Fromm Foundation, the Ralph Kaminsky Fund, as well as the Bavarian State Opera. Currently, he serves on the composition faculty of Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ). As a conductor, Mr. Bettendorf has worked closely with ensembles in New York
(Wet Ink, counter)induction; Ghost and Talea ensembles) and abroad (piano possibile in Munich, Ostravská banda in the Czech Republic), and was director of the Manhattanville
College and Bates College orchestras. Opera credits include Bard College and the Opéra national de Montpellier (France), and he has served as assistant conductor for the Columbia University and American Composers orchestras. He has recorded for the Albany, ArtVoice, Carrier, Cybele, Hat Hut, Indexical, New Focus, and Tzadik labels.
For more about Dr. Bettendorf click here.