This course builds music theory and practice gained at NQF 6. It focuses on advanced theoretical concepts, transcription and arrangement skills, and their applications in creative compositional and improvisational contexts.This course also progresses functional keyboard proficiency to UNISA Grade 4 or ABRSM Grade 5.The theory component covers advanced topics such as tonality, modes, irregular time signatures, intervals, triads, and inversions. Students will explore chords of major and minor scales, greater chords, non-harmony notes, and harmonic analysis. Lessons will develop students’ skills in melodic design, chord substitutions, cadences, structure and form, and polyrhythms, preparing them for transcription, orchestration, and original composition.The keyboard skills component includes performing advanced scales, extended chords, and harmonic progressions. Students will learn to transpose melodies for orchestral instruments, improvise with modal frameworks, and integrate aural training into performance. Practical assignments include translating scores into MIDI using a DAW and reading and interpreting jazz lead sheets.Emphasis is placed on composition and arrangement. Students will compose, arrange, and record original works that demonstrate advanced music theory concepts and skilled musical performance, paying homage to various music genres. They will learn to manipulate melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, structural, and performative elements to evoke emotions and engage audiences effectively.By the end of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to compose, arrange, and record original music, interpret and transcribe scores, and apply advanced music theory concepts in creative compositions.