Music Theory/Piano
Music Theory I & II (TC3)
Chittenango High School
Mr. Stearns (mstearns@chittenangoschools.org)
Purpose:
To understand the basic fundamentals of music such as rhythm, pitch, melody, harmony and timbre.
To explore musical eras and their major compositional styles. Students will demonstrate their understanding by composing original examples of such styles.
To further understand musical notation, i.e. reading music. Students will sing and play various instruments while reading music.
To listen and analyze various pieces of music as well as understanding their specific form.
Required Materials:
Pencils and at least one BLACK felt-tipped pen (or equivalent).
Textbooks (Theory and History) and various computer programs.
A 3-ring binder with notebook paper
Grading:
The student’s grade will be averaged as follows:
60% Homework/Notebook
30% Test/Exams/Compositions
10% Class Participation
HOMEWORK will be assigned almost every night except for Fridays and before vacations. The purpose of the homework is to reinforce class work, not to stress you out! Many assignments will take you a short while, while a few may take several minutes.
Homework is due when you enter class. Any submissions after class has started will be considered late.
Many times in music theory, it is okay to collaborate with someone else on homework issues. However, you may never “copy” someone else’s assignment! It is recognized that some concepts may be lost at the end of the period, so I would rather you asked for my help or someone else’s rather than put any ‘ol thing down. Please come see me if there are any problems. If it is after school, please feel free to call each other or me for advice.
In most cases, homework that is returned to you with a grade below 90% can be corrected. Simply correct what is wrong and turn in back in anytime in the marking period. I will re-correct it and return it to you. If everything is corrected, you will receive a 90% for the assignment. If there are still a few errors, your grade will be raised accordingly, and you still may correct it as many times as needed to bring the grade up to a 90%. Homework that is returned to you with a 90% or above is not eligible for this exception.
Theory homework MUST be completed in PENCIL! (Unless you are told otherwise)
TESTS/QUIZZES are also important learning tools. Compositions will also be graded as tests. Expect a test or quiz periodically. I do not give an exam until I feel you are ready to pass it! In other words, if a topic takes a few more days practice, I will take the time to make sure it is understood.
CLASS PARTICIPATION shows you are interested in music history and music theory. Please feel free to ask questions and respond to mine. Do not be unprepared for class!
Finally, please be aware that this may be uncharted territory for some of us. Music theory may be completely new to some, and very simple to others. The important point is to make sure you do not get “lost in the sauce”! Unlike “chapters” in some other classes, music theory/history is cumulative, which means that learning builds on previous topics. If one is confused about a topic in November, for example, it is not over at the end of the quarter. You will need everything you have learned throughout the year in order to succeed!
Classroom Piano
Chittenango High School
Mr. Stearns (mstearns@chittenangoschools.org)
Purpose:
To understand the basic fundamentals of music such as rhythm, pitch, melody, harmony and timbre.
To understand the fundamentals of reading music, including notes of the bass/treble clefs.
To learn to play various pieces of piano literature.
Required Materials:
Pencils
Textbooks (Alfred’s Basic Piano Course) and Scales Book.
Grading:
The student’s grade will be averaged as follows:
60% Homework
30% Playing Tests/Exams/Recital
10% Class Participation/Practice
HOMEWORK will be assigned as needed. The purpose of the homework is to reinforce class work, not to stress you out! Many assignments will take you a short while, while a few may take several minutes.
Homework is due when you enter class. Any submissions after class has started will be considered late. (10 pts. per day)
In most cases, homework that is returned to you with a grade below 90% can be corrected. Simply correct what is wrong and turn in back in anytime in the marking period. I will re-correct it and return it to you. If everything is corrected, you will receive a 90% for the assignment. If there are still a few errors, your grade will be raised accordingly, and you still may correct it as many times as needed to bring the grade up to a 90%. Homework that is returned to you with a 90% or above is not eligible for this exception.
Homework MUST be completed in PENCIL! (Unless you are told otherwise). Any work submitted in pen will be returned to you and considered late.
Late homework over 4 days will be counted as a zero. However, you are still required to finish the homework as if it were graded (counted in the participation grade below)
TESTS/QUIZZES are also important learning tools. Expect a test or quiz periodically. I do not give an exam or playing test until I feel you are ready to pass it! In other words, if a topic takes a few more days practice, I will take the time to make sure it is understood.
Practice sheets will be turned in every other week on a Friday. They will be graded as needed and must be signed by your Parent or Music Teacher.
***ALL STUDENTS WILL PERFORM IN THE PIANO RECIAL SCHEDULED IN APRIL***
General Class Rules:
Be on time (3 lates – detention; each consecutive late – referral to asst. principal)
Be Prepared
Be Positive/Cooperative with each other
Be open to new ideas and styles of music
Use your talents to help yourself and each other
Respect the equipment