Fundamentals of Music (Grades 9-12)

This half-year course is an overview of music in practice, and is designed for students who enjoy music and want to explore how we experience music in our lives through listening, analyzing, performing, and creating. Students will study beginning piano and guitar, examine various artists and genres, evaluate song forms and lyrics, and develop fundamental knowledge of music theory as well as music reading skills. Students will also complete independent projects, applying concepts studied in class to their own music interests. 

I can… 

• Analyze song lyrics for symbolism and deeper meaning as it relates to its setting in music 

• Perform foundational strumming patterns on guitar

• Perform basic chords on piano and guitar to accompany popular songs

• Identify written notes on the grand staff

• Identify notes on piano and guitar using letter names

• Read beginning piano sheet music 

• Perform beginning piano repertoire using proper playing technique 

• Research and present information on various genres and artists that interest me

• Analyze performed music using audio recordings, identifying instrumentation and form

• Read scores of orchestral pieces, identifying instrumentation and form

• Use online resources to search for music that is at my skill level for instrument performance 

• Analyze how modern pieces incorporate stylistic elements from classical music

• Analyze and explain how music theater uses drama and music to influence affect

• Explore uses for music beyond personal enjoyment (advertisements, movie soundtracks, etc.)