Syllabus for Advanced Placement Music Theory
Shoemaker High School
Mr. Barrick, Instructor
Office Phone: 336-0920
Email: Stephen.barrick@killeenisd.org
Texts
Tonal Harmony (5th Edition) Kostka/Payne
Music in Theory and Practice (7th Edition) Benward/Saker
Various Sightreading Series
Course Description
AP Music Theory is a rigorous course designed for students who need it for career study
as well as those who desire it for enrichment. The class teaches the basics of music
theory and composition. Many topics such as scales, key signatures, intervals, triads,
inversions, rhythmic, melodic and harmonic dictation, four-part harmony, musical forms,
and common compositional techniques will be covered through written, oral, and aural
means in order to give the student a well-rounded understanding of the building blocks of
music. Emphasis will be given to subjects covered in the College Board’s AP Music
Theory exam. Students who perform well on this exam can earn college credit.
Instructional Philosophy
Due to the amount of material that must be covered in this course, I expect students to be
self-motivated. As in similar college type courses, it is student’s responsibility to keep up
with class assignments, projects, and labs. I will do everything possible to help you
understand the material covered, but you must ASK. Work hard and you will achieve.
Class Supplies
Pencils (NO PENS ALLOWED), three-ring notebook specifically for this class (at least 1
inch), staff paper book (supplied by the school), notebook paper, and other books as
assigned.
Discipline
As a college level class, college level discipline is expected. In order to cover all the
material you need to know for the AP test, it is expected that you will:
1. Come to class regularly and on time (tardies and absences count as in other
classes)
2. Have your supplies-books, staff paper, notebook, pencils
3. Complete all homework on time (make corrections as needed)
4. Pay attention to the instructor and other students
5. Actively participate in class
Scheduling and Homework
The amount of material covered in AP courses dictates that classes meet every school
day. It is understood that some classes will be missed due to performances and special
rehearsals. It is only asked that the ensemble directors keep these rehearsals to a
minimum and that they give the music theory instructor reasonable notice for classes that
will be missed. It is also understood that it is the student’s responsibility to meet with the
instructor to arrange for makeup assignments. Tardies and absences will be handled
according to campus policy.
Homework Policy
Homework may be handed in for full credit on the due date. It may also be handed in up
to 5 days late for reduced credit. Ten points will be taken off for each day late, but
remember that late homework is better than a 0. If you have extenuating circumstances,
speak to me ASAP. “On-time” homework with a score of 70 or below may be corrected
for additional credit.
Tests and Grading
Grades will be based on written tests, sight singing tests, short quizzes, homework, and
class participation. It is in your best interest to master each subject covered in class. Just
as in other subjects such as math, each new concept builds on previous knowledge.
Grading System
9-Weeks Grades will be averaged as follows:
Daily Participation
Homework
Short Quizzes/Labs
Major Tests/Projects
SR Tests
30%
20%
20%
20%
10%
Semester Exams will be 20% of the Semester Grade
Computer Usage in Theory Class
During the class we will use technology to enhance the learning environment. We will
use theory tutorials, computer based ear-training, the internet, and notation software.
Attached to this packet is a list of websites that will support our learning.
We will use Finale for notation on some assignments. You may download a free version
of this program (Finale Notepad) for your personal use on your home computer.
What are Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
Once a year in May, the College Board administers AP tests nationwide so that colleges
can decide whether students should receive college credit for various courses taught in
high school. The College Board recommends that colleges grant credit based on
students’ scores, however the final decision of whether or not to grant credit remains up
to the individual college. Many high schools offer AP courses designed to prepare
students for these tests. If you register for Advanced Placement Music Theory at SHS
you must take the AP test. The fee for this test is paid for you by KISD. This AP course
can reduce tuition expenses, it can improve your chances of being accepted into colleges
of your choice, and give you a head start in your studies as a music major in college,
possibly even helping you to graduate early.
Course Outline
First 9-Weeks (Building Blocks)
1. Elements of Music and Basic Notation
2. Musical Staff, clefs, letter names
3. Key Signatures and Solfege
4. Linear Pitch and Vocabulary
5. Dynamic notation
6. Scales- Major and Minor, relative keys, parallel keys, tonality, circle of 5ths
7. Intervals and their inversions
8. Identification and Singing of Intervals
9. Rhythmic Notation and Vocabulary
10. Duple vs. Triple
11. Rhythmic Dictation
12. Melodic Dictation (stepwise motion)
13. Group Sightreading (intro to Solfege)
14. Intro to the piano
Second 9-Weeks (More Basic)
1. Review of previous material
2. Modes and other non-traditional scales
3. Vertical Pitch and Vocabulary (Tonic,…)
4. Augmentation and diminution
5. Diatonic Triads
6. Triad Drills (written and aural)
7. Triadic Inversions
8. Building and recognition of 7th chords
9. Roman Numeral Analysis
10. Realization of Figured Bass
11. Introduction to Part Writing
12. Group & Individual Sightsinging
13. Composition #1
Third 9-Weeks (Putting it Together)
1. Review of previous material
2. Part Writing
3. Standard Resolutions
4. Cadences and standard uses
5. Phrases, Cadences, and Periodic Structure
6. Harmonic Dictation
Fourth 9-Weeks (Test Time)
1. Review and study of all materials for AP Exam
2. How to break the rules (19th and 20th Century)
3. Composition #2
(Course outline will be subject to change as needed throughout the year)
Theory Websites:
Visit the following websites: (These are just the tip of the iceberg)
Information on AP Music Theory
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_music.html
Theory Helps/Tutorials
www.musictheoryresources.com
www.teoria.com
www.musictheory.net
www.emusictheory.com
www.northern.edu/weiland
www.theorymatters.com
Music Notation Software
www.finalemusic.com/notepad
Ear Training
www.good-ear.com
www.ossmann.com/bigears
Let me know when you find others that are helpful. Share the
knowledge!!