Music Theory

MUSic Department

Why Music Theory?

Each music student at the Fine Arts Center participates in a music theory or music history course, side-by-side with their applied instruction. We believe that understanding the history and theory of music is vital to each student's success as a musician.

There are a number of reasons…

To become a better musician, which includes being a better listener. Any listener will notice more—thereby enjoying a richer listening experience—if they have some idea of what’s in the sound. A performer who is a better listener will be a better performer. A music lover can learn to love music even more with an increased appreciation of what is involved.
To become a better performer. Performers who are well founded in music theory will read music more efficiently, hear more accurately, and remember their music more reliably. In great music there is often a correlation between important structural elements and important dramatic moments; thus, a well-grounded performer is likely to be a more effective interpreter of the music.
To prepare for the next level of study. Anyone wishing to earn a college major or minor in music will have to master this same material; many of our alumni remark that they are significantly more prepared than their peers for collegiate music theory, considered one of the hardest parts of achieving a degree in music.
To understand music on a deeper level. You will be a better rounded musician—and a better rounded person—if you actually know some things about the sounds you are making. Great art generally includes food for the brain as well as the emotions, and the two are inextricably linked.

Some students arrive with no knowledge of music theory, while others have had previous exposure to the material throughout their musical training. We are well equipped to accommodate students of all levels in this subject.

Image: Student stands at a promethean board in a Music Theory class at the Fine Arts Center

Image: Mr. Richard Young teaches a Music Theory class at the Fine Arts Center

Image: Student raises their hand in a Music Theory class at the Fine Arts Center

FAC Mission Statement

Preparing dedicated students for 21st-century careers through rigorous, pre-professional arts training in a dynamic, inclusive, collaborative learning community.

Vision Statements

The Fine Arts Center commits to the continual growth of our students by providing unique, unparalleled opportunities to:

Advance within their disciplines and across other disciplines to create progressive learning experiences.
Practice their craft in contemporary facilities that meet or exceed industry standards.
Extend themselves through challenging curriculum delivered by practicing artist-teachers who are experts in their field.
Enhance their educational experience by engaging with nationally and internationally recognized visiting artists.
Transform themselves into confident artists and compassionate citizens.

The Fine Arts Center commits to the continual growth of our curriculum, faculty, and facilities in order to maintain the highest standards for our students by:

Enhancing the recruiting for and publicization of our programs to make our school more accessible to all students in Greenville County.
Seeking opportunities to expand programming through the addition of courses and faculty.
Establishing and cultivating a summer intensive program that serves the needs of current and potential FAC students.
Upgrading or adding to existing facilities to include current technology, equipment, and space in alignment with our curriculum development.
Providing the faculty with the highest level of professional development, with regular access to national workshops and exceptional guest artists.

FAC Core Values

Creativity - is developed through curiosity, expression, critical thinking, self-reflection, practice and mastery of skills.
Respect - is cultivated through a healthy artistic environment that is safe, open-minded, inclusive and diverse.
Grit - is formed by commitment, hard work, integrity, resilience, and perseverance, which are essential to personal and professional achievement.
Identity - is matured as students become practicing artists, lifelong learners, and innovators.
Connection - is built as our work strengthens our school, the community, and the broader society.

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