HAZELWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT
MUSIC THEORY 1 & 2 SYLLABUS
Course Description:
MUSIC THEORY 1
This course is designed for students who desire to learn music theory and notational
skills, composition and arranging techniques, and a survey of music history and
literature. Enrollment is open to all students regardless of musical background.
MUSIC THEORY 2
This course is a continuation of Music Theory 1. It is designed for students who desire
to learn music theory and notational skills, composition and arranging techniques, and a
survey of music history and literature. Enrollment is open to all students regardless of
musical background.
(Prerequisite: Music Theory 1 or Teacher Recommendation)
Approved Course Materials and Resources:
*Instructional videos limited to no more than six hours each semester
Course Expectations:
Students will be able to:
 Demonstrate basic composition and arranging skills
 Demonstrate complete knowledge of theory skills
 Distinguish differences in form and musical texture
 Read one related book or 100 pages of technical reading
Sample Course Activities/Projects/Assessments:
 Create compositions
 Critique recordings
 Evaluate various types of ensembles
 Develop awareness and appreciation for contemporary music styles
 Illustrate use of theory symbols, notations, terms
Music Theory 1 & 2 Syllabus
April 2008
1
Course Outline:
1. Theory
a. Theory symbols and notation techniques
b. Scales, scale construction, and interval relationships
c. Vocabulary terms
d. Key signatures
e. Chord symbols, chord construction, and interval relationships in chords
f. Time signatures, counting systems, and rhythmic pulse/meter
2. Composition and Arranging Skills
a. Compositions incorporating various styles and techniques
b. Analyze representative works for compositional techniques
c. Classify all instruments
d. Other compositional techniques
3. Historical Styles
a. Differences in form and musical texture
Course Curriculum Map:
Theory
Composition and
Arranging Skills
Historical Styles
throughout course
throughout course
throughout course
Lesson Protocol:
 Warm up
 Teacher Input
o Check for understanding
 Teacher Models techniques
o Check for understanding
 Guided Practice: Students apply techniques with guidance
o Check for understanding
 Group Practice: Students work independently and in groups
 Closing Activity: put materials away
Music Theory 1 & 2 Syllabus
April 2008
2
Course Power Vocabulary:
a cappella
accelerando
accent
accidental
accompaniment
acoustic
ad lib
alla breve
answer
arrange
articulation
band
binary
call and response
canon
ceremonial choir
chord
chord progression
chromatic
classical music
Classical Period
clef
coda
compose
composer
concert
conductor
crescendo
curwen hand signs
D.D. – Da Capo
D.S. – Dal Segno
Dalcroze method
decrescendo/diminuendo
diction
double flat
double sharp
duet
dynamics
elements of music
Music Theory 1 & 2 Syllabus
embellishment
ensemble
expression
fermata
fine
folk song
form
fretted instruments
genre
harmony
idiophone
improvise
instrumentation
interlude
interval
intonation
introduction
jazz
key
key signature
keyboard instruments
legato
level of difficulty
lullaby
lyrics
madrigal
march
melody
membranophone
meter
meter signature
metronome
modality
mode
modulation
notation
orchestra
ostinati
patriotic songs
pentatonic
phrase
phrasing
pitch
popular music
recapitulation
rhythm
ritardando
round
sacred
scale
score
secular
sequence
sequencer
slur
solo
sonata
spiritual
staccato
staff
staves
style
syncopation
synthesizer
theme and variation
tempo
tenuto
texture
theme
tie
timbre
tonality
transposition
trio
tutti
variation
waltz
April 2008
3