Music Theory

1879 Music Theory

Grades 9-12 Credit: .5 College Prep

What are the essential components in truly being able to understand music?

This course will provide the tools to help students read, write, and better understand music. It is very common for a musical student to perform at a high level but not be able to read music. This is the perfect class to help bridge that gap and get that student on the road to success. This class will be extremely helpful in enhancing the musical experiences of students who already know how to read music. A variety of music styles and genres will be covered to help students understand music theory in a comprehensive scope. Ear training and dictation exercises will be administered to reinforce the concepts learned. Students will learn:

• scales and modes

• chord progressions and analysis

• basic composition

• developing aural skills

• basic counterpoint

• harmonizing melodies

• melodic composition

• melodic dictation

• intervallic ear training

• circle of fifths

All of these music topics presented will be taught contextually through studying a variety of songs and pieces in a variety of styles. Students enrolled in Music Theory/Ear Training will have the opportunity to enhance their artistic skills while learning to collaborate effectively.