AP Music Theory Syllabus
Harlingen High School South
Mr. Henry Tharpe, Instructor
henry.tharpe@hcisd.org
(956) 427-3800
Course Objectives and Overview:
Advanced Placement Music Theory is a rigorous course designed to expand and enhance the
basic skills of the serious high school musician. Music composition, melodic practices, theory of
harmony and other musical concepts are studied, encompassing the common practice period
through the Baroque/Classical period (1600-1750). Music from other stylistic periods are also
studied. The study, writing, singing, and analysis of the 4-part chorale from this common
practice period is the common thread to the course study. Students are prepared to take the AP
Music Theory Exam upon completion of the course.
AP EXAM DATE: May 9, 2016
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Read melodies in all clefs including movable C clefs.
2. Notate rhythm and pitch in accordance with standard notation practices.
3. Be able to sing, write, play (at the keyboard or personal instrument), and recognize, by
sight and sound, major scales and all three forms of minor scales in all keys.
4. Be able to sing, write, play (at the keyboard or personal instrument), and recognize by
sight and sound all simple and compound intervals.
5. Be able to sing, write, play (at the keyboard or personal instrument), and recognize by
sight and sound all triads and seventh-chords in all positions and inversions.
6. Use correct music theory terminology and vocabulary.
7. Analyze the chords of a musical composition by number and letter name.
8. Transpose a composition from one key to another.
9. Write rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic dictation featuring simple and complex melodies.
10. Part-write harmonic progressions in major and minor keys which employ non-chord
tones, and secondary dominant and secondary leading-tone chords.
11. Realize Roman Numeral and Figured Bass progressions.
12. Harmonize a melody with appropriate chords using proper voice leading.
13. Successfully sight sing diatonic and chromatic melodies.
14. Understand and recognize basic musical forms such as binary, ternary, rondo, etc.
15. Express musical ideas through composition and arranging by applying the basic rules that
govern music composition.
Textbooks:
Benward, Bruce and Marilyn Saker. Music in Theory and Practice. 9th ed. New York:McGrawHill, 2015
Ottman, Robert W., and Nancy Rogers. Music for Sight Singing. 7th ed. New Jersey, PearsonPrentice Hall, 2007.
Additional Resources:
Barron’s AP Music Theory test preparation manual. (Not required, but STRONGLY suggested.)
Educational and supplemental website: www.musictheory.net
Music for analysis website: www.imslp.org
Music Notation Software: www.finalemusic.com/products/finale-notepad/
Technology Resources: Apps available for iOS, Android and other smartphones, tablets
Lecture Aids/Assessment Data: www.kahoot.it
Additional supplemental materials, as needed, for class.
Materials REQUIRED for Class:
Pencil ALL work must be completed in pencil. NO INK PENS ALLOWED!
Music Manuscript Paper (provided)
Notebook and 3-ring binder
Music in Theory and Practice textbook (provided)
Grading Policy:
20 % - Quizzes/Tests*
30% - Homework/Classwork*
10% - Sight Singing
10% - Harmonic/Melodic/Rhythmic Dictation*
30% - Projects
*
Any work completed in pen will be returned ungraded.
Tutorials and AP Palooza:
Tuesdays and Fridays: 7:25 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. (other times available by appointment only)
AP Palooza tutorials are designed to prepare students for the AP Music Theory Exam. These
sessions focus on critical listening skills, advanced part-writing, sight-singing and
melodic/harmonic dictation. While these skills are practiced in class, these sessions will provide
extra focus on these particular skills, in addition to partial-, and full-length practice exams. The
times for these sessions will normally be on Saturdays, and the dates/times of the sessions will be
arranged for maximum achievement.
Course Plan
(This plan is based on four 9-week grading periods and is subject to change due to cancellations,
delays, and, most importantly, student needs.)
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22-23
24
25-26
27-33
34-36
Content
(beginning of 1st 9-weeks)
Elements of Pitch: Notation of the Staff
Elements of Pitch: Scale Degree Names, Intervals, Scales, Key
Signatures
Elements of Rhythm
Introduction to Triads and Seventh Chords
Triads in First Inversion
Triads in Second Inversion
Diatonic Chords in Major and Minor Keys, Enharmonic
Spellings and Enharmonic Modulations
The V7, ii7, and vii7 Chords
Other Diatonic Seventh Chords
(beginning of 2nd 9-weeks)
Non-Chord Tones 1
Non-Chord Tones 2
Cadences, Phrases, and Periods
Principles of Voice Leading
Root Position Part Writing
Analysis of Chorale Music and 4-part Voice Leading
Instrumental Ranges and Transpositions
Harmonic Progression
Harmonizing a Simple Melody
(beginning of 3rd 9-weeks)
Secondary Functions 1
Secondary Functions 2
Modulations using Diatonic Common Chords
Other Modulatory Techniques
Binary an Ternary Forms
Tonal Harmony in the Late 19th Century
(beginning of 4th 9-weeks)
Practice Exams, Review for AP Exam; Selected Topics in
Music History and composition including periods in musical
history and significant composers
Introduction to music notation software and projects
Chapter/Activities
1
2
1
4 & 11
4
4
4
11 & 12
13
5
5
5
9
9
9
3
10
10
14
14
15
15
16