Music Theory and Composition I (Academic)
C727AF/C727AS 1 Semester 1 Credit
Prerequisite:
None.
Course Description:
This course provides activities and instruction designed to develop skills in the description and analysis of music and theoretical concepts. Students will develop abilities to master ear training skills, compose short works to illustrate the principles studied, and study traditional and nontraditional music notation and sound sources as tools for musical composition and analysis.
Music Theory and Composition II (Academic)
C733AF/C733AS 2 Semester 2 Credit
Prerequisite:
Music Theory and Composition I or permission of instructor.
Course Description:
Theory II will expand concepts explored in Music Theory I as well as form and function of different ears of music from early baroque to contemporary practices. We will be taking these practices and putting them to use in our own compositions. This course will be intensive in writing music. Students will have opportunities to create their own melodies and harmonies. Theory II will be for students who do not wish to take AP Theory and/or may need more instruction before going to AP Theory.
AP Music Theory (Advanced Placement) (Honors)
C728XS 1 Semester 1 Credit
Prerequisite:
Grade of “B” or better in Music Theory and Composition and instructor’s approval.
Course Description:
AP Theory is a continuation of Music Theory and Composition I and will be offered second semester. A student who takes both Music Theory and Composition I and AP Music Theory will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Exam for Music Theory. AP Music Theory will expand concepts explored in Music Theory and Composition I with additional practice in ear training, sight singing, and rhythmic and melodic dictation. The course integrates aspects of melody, harmony, texture, form, history, and style. The course progresses to include creative tasks, such as the harmonization of a melody, composing a musical bass line, and the realization of figured-bass notation. Additional course objectives include study of secondary dominants, compositional forms, chord modulations, in-depth melodic structure and composition, and general review of baroque, classical, romantic and early twentieth-century terms, styles, and characteristics. Students are required to take the AP exam in the spring.