Course Syllabus
Course Discription
Advance Placement Music Theory is designed for advance 10-12 grade students wishing to pursue an intense study of music theory, composition, and evaluation of music. This year long course will analyze, notate, and explore different musical elements and incorporate basic sight-singing and ear training skills. Completing this course will prepare students to take the College Board AP Music Theory exam and possibly earn college credit.
Pre-Requistes
Prior musical instruction required and approval from the instructor.
Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Develop skills in recognition, definition, analyzing, and application of rhythm, meter, melodic and harmonic pitch, transposition, harmonization, and modulation.
- Identify, recognize, define and notate clef symbols, simple and compound meter, scale degrees, and rhythm/harmonic dictation.
- Develop skills in writing music, sight singing music, arranging compositions, written and aural description of melodies and harmonies, and using the keyboard.
- Develop skills in the written and aural analysis of music
- Take the Advance Placement Examination in Music Theory in May and to possibly receive college credit.
Course Materials
Students are expected to bring pencil, textbook, workbook and sight-singing book to class daily. Below are the required text and supplemental materials students must bring to class.
- 3 ring binder with 5 subject divider
- Pen/Pencil
- Blank Staff Paper – (purchase at your local music store or print online)
- Scoggins, Nancy. "Barron's Guide to the AP Music Theory Exam" BUY THIS BOOK NOW!
- http://learnmusictheory.net has a very concise, searchable pdf book that covers every topic you will need. The cost is only $4.95!
Grading
- “QTQ” – Quick timed quizzes are timed quizzes meant to increase students musical proficiency and understanding. Students are expected to remain current with their homework and assignment. Unscheduled quizzes will occur during the course of the year.
- Daily Participation – Daily participation is a reflection of a students’ comprehension of course work and materials. Students are strongly encouraged to participate daily in class discussions, sight-singing, and keyboard participation.
- Written Assignments – Homework assignments help reinforce concept learning and give students opportunities to practice and refine skills. It also allows students time to compose and revise their own music. Students must keep current with homework assignment and submit them on time to successfully complete the course. Assignments are DUE: at the beginning of the class. Late assignments will be deducted one letter grade.
- Midterm Exam – End of the first semester exam will cover Chapters 1-9 and count as 20% of the final grade. Students will be tested on aural and listening skills with the concepts learned in class.