Music Theory
AP Music Theory and Composition
AP Music Theory is an accelerated music theory class designed to help students who wish to take the AP Music Theory exam prior to entering college. This class will give students who have demonstrated advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of music an opportunity to go into more depth through advanced study of all the musical elements, including sight singing and dictation. Advanced applications of the elements of music will be emphasized through a variety of different "hands on" projects and activities. Students will use different types of software and hardware in the Music Department's MIDI Keyboard Lab.
Whereas guided instruction time is part of the class routine, a considerable amount of work outside class in music theory is required in order to successfully complete the requirements of this stringent, college level curriculum.
Students enrolled in this class must demonstrate advanced proficiency in music reading, musical interpretation and aural music writing skills. Keyboard training will be helpful, but is not required. Knowledge learned in this class can be applied to all other music classes and knowledge learned in other music classes can be applied to the concepts covered in this class. Because this is a laboratory-based class, using computers, keyboards, MIDI interfaces, and a variety of software, class sizes will be limited. Students who intend to be music majors at the post-secondary level are strongly encouraged to enroll.
Credits in this course can be used toward the Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma fine arts requirement or as an elective for any diploma. Students who successfully complete Music Theory with at least a B average will be prepared for the rigor of this class. This class will benefit any student who plans to study music at the college level. Students who complete this course and score well on the AP Music Theory exam may receive college credit in Music Theory, or be placed in advanced levels of Music Theory at college. Additionally, students will be better prepared for college Music Theory placement exams. A fee is charged for enrollment, and students must purchase a workbook and rent a textbook.
Beginning Music Theory and Composition
Music Theory and Composition is a class designed to give students a working knowledge of the fundamentals of music. In this class, practical application of traditional keyboard harmony will be introduced and emphasized through a variety of different "hands on" projects and activities. A basic knowledge of how to read music is strongly suggested. As a part of this class, students will learn how to operate and use different types of music theory and composition software and hardware in the Music Department's MIDI Keyboard Lab. Keyboard training will be helpful, but is not required.
Students who enroll in this course will develop music analysis skills through theory and practice. Listening skills will be developed through attendance at live performances. Dictation and ear training will be drilled throughout the class. Students enrolled in this class will explore different musical styles and historical characteristics while studying scales, modes, harmonic structures and other elements of music and music composition. After learning the elements of music, students will use this theoretical knowledge to compose works that illustrate these concepts. Other topics explored include traditional and nontraditional notation and the use of sound sources as tools for music composition. Original student work may be used in student video projects, student composition projects and other special performance opportunities that are available to those who master the concepts taught.
Students will be given a variety of projects to complete throughout the year. Class time will be used to provide guided practice while completing these assignments, but periodic work outside the school day may be needed. Because this is a laboratory-based class, using computers, keyboards, MIDI interfaces, and a variety of software, class sizes will be limited. Students who intend to take any post-secondary music courses or who plan to pursue music as a major in college are strongly encouraged to enroll. A lab fee is charged for enrollment and a Music Theory workbook is required.
Credits in this course can be used toward the Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma fine arts requirement or as an elective for any diploma. Students who successfully complete Music Theory and Composition will be prepared for AP Music Theory and Composition. This class will benefit any student who has an interest in music, especially those who are enrolled in performance classes, such as choir or band, or who may have an interest in pursuing the study of music at the post-secondary level. Students interested in pursuing a career in music, or studying music at the college level, should enroll in this class and the other music theory class offerings.