Advanced Music Theory Portfolio Class - to be announced for 2008-09 school year

        In addition to a solid foundation in music theory, listening to and studying repertoire from a variety of periods and styles contribute to the development of the complete musician.  A personal portfolio [consisting of listening and reading notes, written and aural theory exercises, creative exercises, studies in composition, and individual assessment materials] is an essential tool for individual advanced theory study.  

        The purpose of this course is to offer advanced music students the opportunity to create a personal music theory portfolio, to develop advanced listening skills, and to explore a variety of music through both written and aural study.  The goal is to answer these questions:

-What music theory concepts do I need to review/learn?

-What elements of composition and arranging do I need to study in order to develop my composition skills?

-What are the characteristics of the music of different periods and style, and how does music relate to other areas throughout history?

        Curriculum Outline

Listening Units

        chronological - combine with student input from other areas:

                political,  art, literature, technology/inventions

        styles:

                jazz

                20th-21st century

                student choice

Theory

        proficient through 9th chords

        ear training - determined by student ability level and need

        composition:  

                aaba form

                round

                graphic/aleatoric

Student interest

        arranging       

        instruments

        composition

        audition preparation

        other

Theory I and II       Course Description & Requirements

Solving the mystery of music.  

Many elements combine to create music.  The study of music theory deals with the visual representation of these elements and how they are combined to create a composition. An appreciation for and an understanding of the composer’s art enables one to develop criteria for valid personal judgment, allows a work to be perceived aesthetically, for its own sake, and promotes openness to new and different styles and genres.  The nature of music is temporal, subjective, and scientific, involving the understanding and mastery of elements and skills which are interrelated and sequential.

Class

        listening/dictation/singing

        discussion

        lesson

        classwork/independent work

Grading

        participation           20 - discussion and class activities

        classwork               40 - group and independent work

        homework                 1 5

        quizzes/tests           20

        notebook                   5 - handouts, assignments, etc.

Topics for Music Theory I

Elements of Music  Outline

Pitch

-staff, keyboard, treble clef

-bass clef, octave designation

-intervals

-half, whole steps

Pitch systems (scales)                                                          

-major scales, key signatures

-minor scales, key signatures

Rhythm & Meter

-quarter, half, whole notes in 4/4 meter

-eighth, sixteenth notes

-dots, ties, rests

-duple meter

-triple meter

-compound meter

-syncopation

Harmony

-triads

-triad inversions

-triads in major keys

-triads in minor keys

-seventh chords

Additional topics:

score study

embellishments, nonchord tones

Composition - rhythm/melody/simple harmony

Independent work requirements:  approved topic, outline or schedule and anticipated goal, presentation to class

Topics for Music Theory II

Pitch

C clef

Pitch Systems

melodic minor

modes

pentatonic/chromatic/whole tone/jazz and blues

Melody

analysis

phrases

composition

embellishments

Harmony

figured bass

triads in open and close spacing

cadences

composition

Form & Texture

phrase/period

simple binary

monophonic/polyphonic/homophonic

Instrumentation

transposition

transposing instruments

Opportunity for advanced study

composition

analysis

topics of individual interest