Music Theory and Composition

Music Theory and Composition Rae Jean Teeter, Instructor Course Description and Requirements September 8, 2010

Welcome to Music Theory. I am assuming you are here because you have a strong interest in improving your music skills with regard to composition, performance, and analysis. Through careful work in aural skill development, compositional confidence and listening and analysis, you will have the tools to successfully complete the AP Music Theory exam if you choose to do so and to vastly improve you performance and composition!

Description This course will cover the materials of music in as comprehensive a way as possible, using the performance of tonal and rhythm patterns, as a central guiding principle. To the greatest extent possible, all written work will relate to concepts already presented aurally through these activities. Students will gain a functional use of the keyboard, learn standard notational practices in order to analyze and compose musical works, as well as learn to notate music from aural dictation. Music studied will come from a variety of musical sources and genres and should reflect some of the genuine interests of the students, in order to provide meaning and connection to the concepts presented. All students will have the opportunity to work toward taking the AP Music Theory Exam in May.

Ear Training An integral part of every music theory course, and perhaps the most important, is the practice and development of aural skills. Although time will be spent every class period on various ear training activities, there is never enough class time to practice as much as necessary. Students are required to work on aural skills outside of class utilizing the software we have on the lab computers as well as internet sources. Logs will be turned in at the end of each quarter as part of the quarterly grade.

Materials Text- The Musician’s Guide to Theory and Analysis, Textbook, Anthology, Workbook by Jane Piper Clendinning, Elizabeth West Marvin and Joel Phillips

All students will need a loose leaf binder (at least 1 inch), a pack of dividers (Homework, In-Class notes and assignments, Aural skills, Handouts and Tests and Quizzes), music manuscript paper (available for free online) and pencils, no pens please! Binders will be checked frequently for an quiz grade. A well organized binder is a surefire way to make studying easier. You may find it useful for a college theory course you may take  Other resources will be available online through the GHS website under my name on the music link. Workbook materials will be given to you in class as we progress through each chapter of the text. Computer Lab We have 16 midi workstations to be used for music theory and we will utilize these to practice aural skills, complete composition assignments and group projects. You will become familiar with Sibelius music notation software, as well as various ear training and aural skill programs. The lab will be used in some capacity almost every class.

Grading Criteria Students in this course will be involved in a number of activities, some of them graded and some not. Active daily participation and completion of regular assignments will be the greatest factors in determining success in the course. Quizzes and unit exams will be natural outgrowths of work done in class and should not present a problem to students who are on task and up to date with assignments. Homework is an essential component of the course and will be my primary way of assessing your progress. Late assignments will not be accepted unless the student has been absent from class. The breakdown will be as follows: Homework (including in class assignments) 40% Aural skills assessments and log 20% Unit Tests and Major compositions 20% Quizzes (including binder checks) 20%

Office Hours: I will be available for extra help during D day advisories during the second appointment time slot and after school by appointment. Please do not wait to see me if difficulties arise. Don’t wait and “hope you catch on”. By that time you will be further behind 

Rae Jean Teeter Room 9 office C 861-8591 x5019

Signature due in class on 9/13/10

I have read and understand the grading policy and course description for Music Theory and Composition.

______Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature