COURSE DESCRIPTION This semester-long course is designed to give students an intermediate understanding of music theory and its applications. The course contains both lectures and activities, beginning with triads and advancing to basic harmonic analysis and composition. Students will also continue to learn basic keyboarding skills, work on various theory and ear training activities, practice analyzing and critically evaluating music, and compose 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 very similar to other academic disciplines
Using technology in the classroom to compose, study and learn about music
Providing a foundation in keyboard/piano playing skills
Developing ear training skills
Learning to analyze and critically evaluate music
Preparing students to be successful in AP Music Theory and in other chosen musical pursuits
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.
Student is responsible for making up 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 after school and during lunches 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 1-11 Review (VPA 1 material) Unit 12
Triads
Primary and Major Notes
Dominant V7 Chord
Unit 13
Triads, V7 Chords and Inversions
Figured Bass
Major Chord Progressions
Unit 14
Minor Scales (Natural, Harmonic, Melodic)
Minor Triads
Augmented and Diminished Triads
Minor 7th Chords
Begin Chordal Popular Song Analyses
Second Quarter Unit 15
Primary Triads - Minor Keys
Minor Key Chord Progressions
Major 7th Chords
Unit 16
Harmonizing a Melody in a Major Key
Broken Chords
Passing and Neighboring Tones
Composing a Melody in a Major Key
Begin Chorale/Hymn Analyses
Unit 17
Harmonizing a Melody in a Minor Key
Composing a Melody in a Minor Key
12-Bar Blues
Blues Scale
Unit 18
Motive & Phrase
AB (Binary) Form
ABA (Ternary) Form
Rondo Form
Musical Forms in Popular Music
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 activities
keyboard proficiency skills
critical listening and 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.