Course Syllabus for Music Theory 1

Overview:

Music Theory is designed for students in grades nine through twelve who desire to become musically literate, therefore increasing skills in music reading, aural skills, composition, piano, and appreciation. This highly structured course is recommended for the self-motivated student who wishes to experience the challenges of deeper experiences in aural and written music.

Textbook(s) and Other Resources Used:

Piano, Stereo, Teacher-generated text, “Play Piano Now” Basic Adult Piano Course, “Music For Sight Singing” by Robert W. Ottman, computer

Outline of Content:

First Quarter Topics:

Rhythmic symbols, notes on the staff, piano keyboard; major key signatures and circle of fifths, major scale construction and scale degree names, simple meter, “Play Piano Now” assignments, rhythmic dictation, melodic dictation, sight singing, composition

Projects, papers, tests-schedule and types: Chapter tests, quizzes, practice worksheets, piano assignments and evaluations, homework, and notebook.

Second QuarterTopics:

“Finale Note-Pad”, Relative major and minor keys, compound meter, minor scale construction, minor key signatures,

melodic composition and structure, intervals, triads, roman numerals, ongoing Play Piano Now” assignments, rhythmic dictation, melodic dictation, sight singing, composition

Projects, papers, tests-schedule and types: Chapter tests, quizzes, practice worksheets, piano assignments and evaluations, homework, and notebook.

Third Quarter Topics:

Cadences, lead sheets, advanced melodic composition, chord progressions on the piano, form, part writing tonic, subdominant, and dominant chords, nonharmonic tones, ongoing Play Piano Now” assignments, rhythmic dictation, melodic dictation, sight singing, composition

Projects, papers, tests-schedule and types: Chapter tests, quizzes, practice worksheets, piano assignments and evaluations, homework, and notebook.

Fourth Quarter Topics:

Advanced harmonic progressions, advanced part writing, advanced composition concepts, Twelve Bar Blues, ongoing Play Piano Now” assignments, rhythmic dictation, melodic dictation, sight singing, composition

Projects, papers, tests-schedule and types: Chapter tests, quizzes, practice worksheets, piano assignments and evaluations, homework, and notebook.

Miscellaneous:

Students are required to have the following items for each class:

· Three ring binder with all written materials enclosed.

· A pencil – never use a pen for music theory work.

Materials may be kept in assigned locations in the classroom, or may be taken with the student.

Class time is comprised of individual and large group activities.  Students will know in advance the type of activity that is planned for the day, and is expected to have the proper materials.