Composer and McGill University music theory PhD candidate Ericsson F. Hatfield will lead “Canons of the First Order — In Practice,” a four-week online course exploring the historical theory and compositional practice of musical canon.
Drawing on traditions of Renaissance and Baroque counterpoint, the course examines methods of canonic construction through live demonstrations, guided composition workshops, and analytical discussion.
Topics include infinite canon in two, three, and four voices; hexachordal imitation; invertible counterpoint at the octave and twelfth; and mathematical approaches to contrapuntal construction.
The final session will feature guest presentations by Dr. Jacob Gran and Daniel Chang, followed by discussion and questions.
The course is intended for composers, music theorists, early-music practitioners, and musicians interested in developing a practical understanding of historical contrapuntal techniques.
Dates: Saturdays, November 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2026
Format: Live online instruction in two small cohorts, limited to 10 participants each.
Tuition: $300 USD for all four sessions.
Enrollment deadline: November 1, 2026.
Full curriculum and registration:
https://ericssonhatfield.com/education/canons-of-the-first-order/
