Washington Township High School

Music Theory I

D. Cona, Instructor

Room C-9

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Music Theory I is designed for students desiring an in-depth study of the art of music. This course will help to prepare students with a possible interest in music related careers by giving them a basic understanding of the principles surrounding the creation of music in preparation for college course work. Students wishing to improve their musicianship skills as an instrumentalist, vocalist, composer or songwriter will also benefit from this course. Units of study include the fundamentals of music (notation, scales, intervals, etc…), structural elements of music (cadences, non-harmonic tones, etc…) harmonization and analysis, and aural skills development. Students will be exposed to music from all periods of music history. This course emphasizes compositional skills through in-class and independent writing using both traditional and computer-assisted notation. There are no prerequisites but some musical experience (through ensembles or private lessons) is helpful. - (adapted from the WTHS Curriculum Guide)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

- Identify specific structural elements of music (i.e. cadences, chords, intervals, etc.).

- Audiate, transcribe, and perform various melodies and rhythms.

- Complete basic harmonization and analysis exercises.

- Compose simple, original harmonies.

- Use the computer for notation and aural exercises.

- Recognize musical examples from various periods of music history.

- Understand how music is composed.

- Appreciate the complexity of musical compositions and how they developed over time.

INSTRUCTOR'S EXPECTATIONS:

  1. All students should treat this class as an academic class, expecting regular homework assignments, projects and quizzes and tests.
  2. Daily preparation for class. This includes bringing your notebook, a binder, a PENCIL and BIGERASERand completed homework to class every day.
  3. Keep a notebook and a folder of all coursework. A three-ring binder will work well for keeping hand written music assignments. The instructor reserves the right to perform a notebook check at any time during the year.
  4. Act in a manner that allows the teacher to teach, and the students to learn.
  5. Respect others, the classroom, and yourself.
  6. Because of the nature of this classroom setting (i.e. computers), food and drink (other than water) is not allowed in the classroom.
  7. Keep an open mind about the music and various activities that you will be doing in this class.
  8. For purposes of auditory training, singing will be a component of this class. You will not be judged on the quality of your singing, but rather a demonstration of your understanding of basic ear training exercises, which is a vital component of music theory.
  9. In addition, students will be graded on preparation, effort, and participation every day on the following scale:

100 / 93 / 85 / 77 / 70 / 60
Student is prepared for class and participates in all class activities / Student is unprepared for class, but still participates in all class activities / Student occasionally participates in class activities, and may or may not be prepared for class / Student rarely participates in class activities, and may or may not be prepared for class / Student rarely participates in class, and is unprepared for class / Student does not participate in class at all,. And is unprepared for class

Teacher Contact Information

I can be reached any time via my e-mail address: . I will be checking my e-mail frequently, and will respond to any questions in a timely manner. I will also be updating my school website with important information about the class.

GRADING PROCEDURES & POLICIES:

30% Marking Period Tests

25% Projects

15% Homework

15% Participation / preparation

15% Quizzes

UNITS OF STUDY:

As based on the curriculum for this course, the major units of study are as follows:

  1. The Basic Elements of Music
  2. Exploring the Fundamentals
  3. Fundamental Harmonic Concepts
  4. Applying Harmonic Concepts
  5. Mastering the Fundamentals
  6. Secondary Harmonies
  7. Modulation and Part-writing
  8. Skill Development / Historical Practices

*Aural Skills Development and Historical Practices will be integrated throughout the year.