AP Music Theory

Taught by Mr. Burba

High School for Health Professions and Human Services

tburba@schools.nyc.gov

Textbooks and Resources: 

The following textbooks are provided for each student:
Burstein, L. Poundie, and Joseph N. Straus. 2016. Concise Introduction to Tonal Harmony. W. W. Norton & Company.
Krueger Carol J. 2011. Progressive Sight Singing Second ed. New York: Oxford University Press.

Audio Playback and Recording:
Teacher and students will use their laptop computers (provided by the school) to access all musical examples and ear-training exercises. Laptops will also be used to record sight-singing. An electronic keyboard is available in the music classroom. We will be using the online recording program Soundtrap for recording students.

Online Resources:
http://www.musictheory.net
http://www.teoria.com
https://myap.collegeboard.org
http://www.mrburba.com

Grading:

• 30% Exams

• 20% Projects

• 30% Classwork / Soundtrap Assignments

• 10% Participation in Discussions / Responses

• 10% Homework (Nightly Practice)

  1. You can earn extra participation points by

  2. Sharing responses to the “Do Now” (5 points)

  3. Asking the person who shared a question about their response or their argument (5 points)

  4. Sharing responses to mid-lesson questions (5 points)

  5. Asking a clarification question about the lesson (5 points)

These points will be added to your points for the “Do Now”

Ways to lose points:

-10 for being late without a pass

-10 for sitting in the wrong seat

-10 for using a cell phone in class without permission. 

-10 for talking out of turn.

-20 for copying answers.

Assignments:

You will be able to redo all assignments and quizzes in this course so that you can master the skills and content. The only exception to this is Unit exams which you can only take once. 

Tests:

• Since we are ultimately preparing for an exam, we will need to check our skills and knowledge regularly. For this reason, we will have weekly or bi-weekly quizzes on the topics covered in class. You will be able to retake the quizzes until you receive a score you are happy with. 

• We will also be taking Unit exams but you will not be able to retake these.

• I will provide study sheets for all unit exams and you will be given time to study. 

Classwork:

You will be given daily assignments to master the skills and content. These will include:

• • Worksheets

  • Google form assignment

  • Soundtrap assignments where you record yourself sight-singing or clapping rhythm

Projects: 

• Class projects will allow you to use what you have learned in class, applying the skills and knowledge to real world materials and situations. 

• These may include:

  • Presenting a song you will analyze of harmony, rhythm, structure, etc.

  • Composing a short piece of music using what you have learned about counterpoint, rhythm, and harmony. 

Late Work:

You have until the deadline to receive full credit for an assignment. After the due date you have 7 calendar days to complete the work but will lose 10% off the grade for lateness. After those 7 days, you will receive a 55% for your grade. 

You can redo any assignment as long as you turn it before the deadline or 7 day grace period. 

If you cannot complete the work on time because of a special circumstance, please email me at tburba@schools.nyc.gov or speak directly to me about the issue in class or after class. 

Tutoring:

I have tutoring on Tuesdays at 2:36pm in room 408. If you are having trouble with the assignments or are falling behind, a tutoring session can do wonders for your grade. If you can't make this time, I also have some availability on Wednesdays but you must email me or speak with me in class to schedule a tutoring session. 

Class website: 

All lessons and assignments for the class will be posted on www.mrburba.com under "AP Music Theory" and organized by units and lessons. Under each lesson you will find the Google slides presentation, tutorial videos, graphics and descriptions of the skill or content taught. Under each assignment, you will find detailed instructions as well as any other materials needed to complete the assignment. 

The website includes a section entitled "Student Work" that celebrated student compositions and presentations. 

Absence Policy:

Every class, you receive a 100% for participation if you arrive on time, write at least 4 sentences for the "Do Now," participate in class discussions with your partner(s), and don't violate the class norms listed above under "Ways to lose points." If you are absent, you automatically receive a 55 for participation for that day. You need to bring in an excused absence form to have the 55 erased. The grade is then left blank and doesn't affect your class grade.

You must fill out this form to get your absence excused for Music class. 

Cell Phone Policy:

Cell phone use in my class is not allowed. The only exception is if I give permission because of an emergency or there are wifi issues at the school. If you have your cell phone out during class the following consequences will occur:

• First: Politely remind you to not use your cell phone

• Second: You lose ten points for participation

• Third: I will send your parents the following text: "Hello. I hope this message finds you well. I am Mr. Burba, your child’s Music teacher. I am writing because their cell phone use in class has become a real distraction. I have to remind them daily to put their phone away, sometimes multiple times in class. I believe that this is causing a real lack of learning and engagement in class. I wanted to let you know about an app that lets you block their phone from social media, games, and streaming during the school day while still allowing you to be in contact with them. Kids, and many adults, struggle with controlling their cell phone use. It is called 'Parental Control App - OurPact.' Here is a link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parental-control-app-ourpact/id954029412 "

• Fourth: I will ask you to hand over your cell phone for the duration of class and I will call to inform your parents/guardians.

• Fifth: Dean will come to class to confiscate your cell phone.

Remote Learning Expectations (Snow Days or School Closures):

• Students are to attend online classes on time and stay for the duration of the class. Attendance will be taken and will affect participation grades.

• Always be respectful and courteous to other students and teachers during Google Meets. Inappropriate, offensive or threatening comments; misrepresentation of identity, and/or disruptive behavior by any participants during Google Meet sessions will not be tolerated.

• Students must use their @nycstudents.net email address and password to login in to Google Classroom and attend Google Meet classes. 

• Your microphone should always be muted except when called upon. Please raise your virtual hand if you have a question or comment or type it in the chat window. 

• Do not use the chat space to have personal or distracting conversations. You can, however, post questions you have there. If you violate this rule, participation points will be deducted from your daily grade. 

• Login credentials must not be shared. Sharing of login information violates other students’ and teachers’ rights to confidentiality, and could allow class participation by unauthorized persons and/or lead to disruptive behaviors that detract from a productive and positive learning environment.

• Students who are disruptive and/or “trespass” Google Meet sessions will receive appropriate consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

• Do not video record, audio record, photograph, live stream, or transmit in any other way any part of a Google Meet, including not posting on any social media platform.