INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THEORY
Course Outcomes
The Introduction to Music Theory student will:
A. Know music fundamentals (note names, keys & key signatures, reading rhythms, etc.)
B. Discriminate aural and visual intervals & triads (major & minor 3rds, Perfect 4ths, diminished triads, etc.)
C. Describe elements and structure of music representative of the style periods of music history
D. Analyze music following set criteria
E. Dictate melodies and rhythms
F. Describe artistic intent and how particular effects are created by the composer’s use of the elements of music
G. Describe the historical, cultural and social background of selected music
H. Compose music following set criteria
Grading/Course Requirements
All assignments are to be turned in on Fridays (or the last day of the school week), unless otherwise stated.
All Weekly Assignments and Ear Training Exams (such as Sight Singing, Dictation and Aural Interval Exams) will be graded with a weight of “1.” Written Exams and Original Compositions will receive a weight of “2.”
All students are required to prepare and participate in the Region Music Listening Contest, which will be held on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.
All assignments and portfolio work must be done in PENCIL.
Most exams and assignments will be graded on a percentage basis (when appropriate).
Grading scale will be as follows:
A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 67-69
D 63-66
D- 60-62
F 59 or lower
Printouts of student progress will be available weekly and upon request.
Instructional Materials
Instructional materials for the course include the following:
Practical Theory- Complete by Sandy Feldstein, which is a sequential music theory textbook/workbook.
Minnesota High School Music Listening Contest Study Guide, which provides the basis for compositional analysis/interpretation, as well as for the study of important composers representative of the historical style periods of music history.
Music Theory Lessons, which were developed by Mr. Ek through use of the Encore music software program, serve to enhance the workbook assignment materials. The primary advantage of the Theory Lessons is that they are comparable to having a textbook with sound. Students are able to hear music examples, including their own compositions.
The textbook, Music In Theory and Practice, Volume 1, by Bruce Benward and Gary White has been utilized extensively in gathering information and music examples for this course.
MiBac Music Lessons is a software listening program which helps students learn intervals, scales, chords, rhythms, and other music listening skills.