Course Nov. 2026

Canons of the First Order — In Practice

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This course applies the theoretical principles presented in The Art of Canon through live instruction and workshops in canonic composition, using systematic contrapuntal procedures.

The first three meetings progress from infinite canons in two voices to constructions involving multiple voices, different intervals of imitation, and invertible counterpoint. Participants examine and apply the mathematical principles underlying these procedures. The final meeting will feature guest lectures.

Participants will receive advance access to Season 2 of The Art of Canon.

Course at a Glance

Dates
, , , and , 2026
Format
Four live online classes, held on Saturdays
Duration
120 minutes per class
Tuition
$300 USD for the complete course
Enroll by
Class size
Maximum 10 participants per section
Sections
Section A: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET
Section B: 3:00–5:00 p.m. ET
Ericsson F. Hatfield Ericsson F. Hatfield Course Instructor Biography

Ericsson Hatfield is an American composer, violinist, and PhD candidate in Music Theory at McGill University, where he studies under Peter Schubert. His research focuses on the mathematical and contrapuntal principles of musical composition, particularly the systematic techniques of canon and invertible counterpoint.

He holds a Master of Music in Composition from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied with David Conte. An experienced instructor of music theory and counterpoint, Hatfield is the creator of The Art of Canon, a video series dedicated to making the theoretical foundations of canonic composition freely accessible.

Jacob Gran Jacob Gran Visiting Lecturer · Biography

Jacob Gran earned his PhD in music theory at Louisiana State University in 2019. He teaches historical composition methods and species counterpoint through his video series and Classical Counterpoint course.

Professional Site
Daniel Chang Daniel Chang Visiting Lecturer · Biography

Daniel Chang studied composition with David Conte at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and organ with David Higgs at Eastman. He received the Peter Hurford Bach Prize at the 2021 St. Albans International Organ Competition and second prize at the 2022 National Young Artists’ Competition in Organ.

Eastman School of Music profile

Course Curriculum

Class 1 — November 7

Introduction to Infinite Canon

  • Infinite canon in two, three, and four voices
  • Combinations and derivatives

Class 2 — November 14

Hexachordal Imitation / Invertible Counterpoint

  • Imitation at the fifth and fourth
  • Hexachordal imitation
  • Invertible counterpoint at the octave

Class 3 — November 21

Invertible Counterpoint at the 12th, Mathematics of Canon

  • Invertible counterpoint at the twelfth
  • Mathematical transformations of canonic combinations
  • Δh = Δi

Class 4 — November 28

Guest Presentations

The course concludes with presentations by Jacob Gran and Daniel Chang, each followed by questions and discussion.

Jacob Gran
45-minute presentation · 15 minutes of questions
Daniel Chang
45-minute presentation · 15 minutes of questions

The final meeting runs for two hours without an intermission.

Course Format and Preparation

Class Format

Classes take place live over Zoom. The first three meetings each consist of a 50-minute presentation and demonstration, a 10-minute intermission, and a 60-minute workshop. This structure applies to the first three meetings only.

During workshops, participants work through contrapuntal problems and examine alternative solutions, applying mathematical analysis through repertoire. Cameras are encouraged for engagement.

Prerequisites and Preparation

Familiarity with elementary contrapuntal principles is recommended. Prior experience composing canons is not required.

Participants should have access to manuscript paper and writing implements or notation software. A keyboard nearby is recommended but not required.

Participants are encouraged to consult the introductory videos in The Art of Canon series before the first meeting.

Course Policies and Enrollment

Course Policies

Attendance

Live attendance is expected. Missed meetings do not entitle participants to recordings, replacement instruction, or credits.

Instructor Recordings

Sessions may be recorded by the instructor for archival, educational, and promotional purposes. Recordings will not be distributed to participants.

Participants may opt out of public promotional use of their identifiable image, voice, name, or contributions by notifying the instructor by email before or during the course.

Participants may keep their cameras off. Those who participate visually or verbally may also request that particular contributions not be used publicly.

Refunds

Tuition is fully refundable when cancellation is received at least 48 hours before the first meeting on November 7, 2026. Thereafter, course tuition is non-refundable. Missed meetings do not entitle participants to partial refunds.

Section Enrollment

Each section has a maximum of 10 participants. Section assignments are subject to availability.

Enrollment

  1. Express interest by email.
  2. Section availability is confirmed.
  3. Payment instructions are provided.
  4. Enrollment is completed following payment.

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