COURSE DESCRIPTION This semester-long course is designed to give students a basic understanding of music theory and its applications. The course contains lectures, activities, and projects, beginning with note reading and advancing to basic melodic and harmonic analysis and composition. Students will also learn basic keyboarding skills, complete supplemental theory and ear training activities, learn to analyze and critically evaluate music, and complete creative music projects.
COURSE OBJECTIVES The mission of the Pinewood VPA is to educate competent, confident musicians by:
Introducing students to the basic building blocks of music composition, technique, and musicianship
Introducing students to music as not only a form of expression, but as a system of symbols and rules that are similar to other academic disciplines
Using technology in the classroom to compose, study, and learn about music
Providing a foundation in keyboard/piano
Developing ear training and rhythm skills
Learning to analyze and critically evaluate music
Preparing students to be successful in VPA Music 2 and/or AP Music Theory
CONSIDERATIONS
Textbooks/Software
Alfred’s Complete Music Theory & supplementary packets
3-ring binder (to save all unit assignments, projects, tests, and grading sheets)
Pencil and correcting pen
Headphones/earbuds
iPad
Procedures
Class periods will consist of lectures and practical exercises on paper and/or computer or iPad. Students will also have class time allotted to work on music theory dictation and notation software assignments, unit projects, and practice the keyboard.
Students who do not have access to a keyboard or piano at home may check out a school keyboard with instructor approval.
All Activity worksheets are intended as post-class review material and are to be completed as homework, not in class.
Additional individualized musical projects of equal point value may be assigned to students already familiar with unit material in place of specified unit activities.
GRADING POLICIES Students will be graded by total points accumulated throughout the semester.
Attendance/Participation - All students start with 100 points each semester:
Students will lose 1 point for every tardy
Students will lose 3 points for every unexcused absence
Students will lose 3 points for every excused absence after a total of 5.
Not Prepared - no pencil/music/headphones/iPad - 2 points deducted
Cell Phones must be put away unless used for recording parts - 5 points deducted each instance
Talking in class - 2-4 points deducted
Disruptive/disrespectful - 5 or more points deducted
Homework & Projects (approximately 60-100 points per unit)
Unit Packets will be turned in on test days, which will include all lesson worksheets, unit reviews, ear training activities, homework activities, and unit projects, according to the unit grade sheet. Late packets and related unit work will lose 5 pts. for each class period late.
Computer Reviews must be completed before test date - Ms. Linza will check your recorded score on your computer before you take the unit test.
Student is responsible for all unit packets/computer work/tests/projects if going on a class trip, field trip or sports event - please talk to Ms. Linza prior to absence.
Unit Tests (approx. 100-120 points. each)
Final Exam (20% of total grade)
ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM Ms. Linza is available by appointment to answer questions and help each student succeed. Please email ([email protected]) to schedule an appointment. Any missed work is the responsibility of the student and should be worked out in advance, if known, or immediately after an illness or an excused absence.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
Respect teacher, peers, and property
No gum, food, or beverages allowed in the Computer Lab
Pinewood’s Dress Code will be enforced
Pinewood’s Plagiarism and Cheating Policies will be enforced
Computers off and iPads put away until instructor has approved their use for class activities and projects
Adhere to Pinewood’s Technology Policies
SYLLABUS First Quarter Units 1-2
The Staff, Notes & Pitches
Treble & Bass Clefs and Grand Staff
Ledger Lines
Note and Rest Values
Measures, Bar Lines
Time Signature
Units 3-4
¾ Time Signature
Dotted Half Notes
Ties and Slurs
Repeat Sign, 1st & 2nd Endings
Eighth Notes & Rests
Dotted Quarter Notes
Unit 5
Dynamic Signs
Tempo Marks
Articulation
D.C., D.S., Coda, and Fine
Unit 6
Flats
Sharps
Naturals
Whole Steps & Half Steps
Unit 7
Tetrachords and Major Scales
The Sharp Scales: G & D Major
The Flat Scales: F & Bb Major
Key Signatures - Sharp & Flat Keys
Second Quarter Unit 8
Remaining Major Scales
Circle of Fifths
Chromatic Scale
Intervals
Unit 9
Perfect and Major Intervals
Minor Intervals
Augmented & Diminished Intervals
Solfege and Transposition
Units 10-11
Sixteenth Notes & Rests
Dotted Eighth Notes
Common Time & Cut Time
3/8 & 6/8 Time Signatures
Eighth Note Triplets
Incomplete Measures
Final Review - the last 2-3 classes will be dedicated to reviewing all material for the final exam
Final Exam - overview of all above topics
OTHER
All unit packets and unit projects will be due on unit test dates.
In addition to unit lessons, students will also complete:
unit-related ear training and rhythmic dictation activities
keyboard proficiency skills
critical listening and short writing assignments
music composition and arrangement projects
Additional individualized musical projects of equal point value may be assigned to students already familiar with unit material in place of in-class practice activities.