Courses
Course Offerings
Music Theory
Music Theory 1
Music Theory 1 is a college-preparatory course designed to enhance the basic skills of all students who require working knowledge of the elements of music. The basics of pitch, rhythm, notation, ear training, and sight singing are emphasized. Students are asked to apply critical and creative thinking skills to the application of these concepts both in understanding and performing. Completion of this course should adequately prepare the student for AP Music Theory.
A.P. Music Theory
The Advanced Placement Music Theory course at the Fine Arts Center is designed to give students a strong foundation in basic music theory, covering content which corresponds to the first two semesters of college music theory courses as well as material which goes beyond these foundations. We place an equal emphasis on written and aural (listening) theory, and students will have daily work in both areas. Significant critical/analytical/creative thinking skills will be developed throughout the course. At the conclusion of this course, students should be fully versed in the rudiments of written and aural music theory and will be well prepared for college coursework in music theory. In addition, all students who apply themselves to the material should be able to pass the AP Music Theory Test administered by the College Board and to test out of the initial level(s) of music theory coursework at the college level if that opportunity is offered. This course is designed for all music-lovers regardless of whether they plan to major in music in college or not. It will provide students a framework for a lifelong appreciation of music of all genres and a deeper understanding of how music functions.
This course is recommended for students with previous theory background and a reasonable academic record. Most AP Music Theory students at the Fine Arts Center have completed Theory 1 or begin attending the FAC as 11th or 12th graders with significant musical experience. AP Music Theory parallels standard college freshman level curriculum.
Advanced Subjects
Note: These three courses are taught on a rotating basis. In the 2023-24 school year, Music History Honors is the course being offered to afternoon FAC music students.
Music in Media Honors
The Music in Media Honors course at the Fine Arts Center is designed to build upon the foundation provided by AP Music Theory and to provide a broad framework for the use of music within the context of visual narrative media, including a study of the history of visual narrative, an overview of the co-evolution of visual media and its musical language, and an exploration of styles, techniques, and uses of music in visual media. While not every subject is covered in extensive depth, the primary focus of the course is to provoke critical thinking in relation to the role of music within our everyday experiences and to allow for a familiarity and comfort level in regard to perceiving and performing music used within various visual media, including films, television shows, video games, and commercials. Written music skills, critical listening, score analysis, and ability to place music within its stylistic and historical contexts are all fundamental parts of this course.
Advanced Topics in Music Theory Honors
The Advanced Topics in Music Theory course at the Fine Arts Center continues from the conclusion of AP Music Theory, and successful completion of AP Theory is a prerequisite. The course is divided into four sections. The course covers a variety of advanced concepts and techniques in music theory with a specific focus on literature analysis. Techniques covered include chromatic functional harmony, common-practice formal analysis, non-diatonic harmony, 20th century techniques including free atonality and 12-tone serialism, Jazz harmony and form, and an exploration of music of the last ten years.
Music History Honors
The Music History Honors course at the Fine Arts Center is a survey of musical styles and literature from ancient civilizations through approximately 1970, roughly analogous to a college music history survey course. Material is presented in a variety of ways to encourage students to be able to place works that they hear or perform within their appropriate stylistic norms, and be able to understand those styles as a part of the broader historical context in which they were formed. Course work includes historical overview, critical listening, score study, primary source analysis, and a variety of activities and projects.