Music Theory I
Mrs. Tara Smargiassi
Fall
tsmargia@ccsd.cc
(570) 784-2850 x3131
Course Objective
The purpose of music theory is to make us fully aware of the factors that govern musical interpretation and to deepen our
awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the elements that make up a piece of music. We not only will study, but
learn how to interpret/analyze on the intuitive level what a composer actually meant by their writings. We’ll develop the
terminology and skills needed to analyze and compose music.
Student Obligations
It is expected that every student will give 100% to the course in terms of participation and of classroom atmosphere. This
class is much like a math class, it is sequential. If you miss any part it could affect what will come in the future.
Completion of homework and attendance in class is essential for a successful experience in theory. Students will use
appropriate language at all times. Before judging any aspect of music theory, you must first attempt it. You are expected
to respect the value of everything you hear and study in this course. It is understood that no derogatory statements will be
made about any of the music we study.
Text and Materials
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We do not have one specific text. We use a variety of excerpts, as the instructor deems necessary.
Musical examples from other resources including Band/Chorus repertoire
Supplementary readings will be added throughout course from various sources
Composition book for which to take notes and compose music and a folder will be provided.
Course Outline
This is a homework intensive course and much of your grade depends on your completion of work outside of class.
Every Friday we will have Ear Training to help train our ear to the concepts we are discussing in class. The course will
culminate in a final exam through which each student demonstrates his or her learning.
Unit 1
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Basics
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Lines, Staves, clefs
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Notes of the Treble, Bass, Alto, and Tenor clefs
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Grand staff, Brace
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Stems, Flags, Beams, Rests
Unit 2
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Unit 3
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Unit 4
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Unit 5
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Unit 6
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Unit 7
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Unit 8
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Basics, cont.
Ledger Lines, octaves
Technical names of notes on staff
Flats, Sharps, Naturals
Basic meter (time) signatures
Ties, Slurs
Simple meter
Compound meter
Scales
Whole steps, half steps
Chromatic, major
Creation of each type
Key signatures
Circle of 5ths
Intervals
Diatonic, Chromatic
Simple, Compound
Harmonic, Melodic
Inversions of intervals
Minor Scales
Natural, harmonic, melodic
Relative, Parallel
Key signatures
Harmony
Chords
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Building triads
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Major, minor, augmented, diminished
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Voicing for 4 part writing
Unit 9
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Inversions of Triads
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Chords in a key – Scale Degrees
Unit 10
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Rules
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for 4 part voice writing
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for doubling
Unit 11
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Harmonic Cadences
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Authentic, Plagal, Half, Deceptive
Unit 12
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Non-Chord tones
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PT, NT, SUS., RET., APP., ET, NG, ANT., PP, CG, CT
Unit 13
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Articulation
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Tie, Dot, Accent, Tempo, Measure, Pick-up, Syncopation
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Types of Accents – Tonal, Agogic, Dynamic
Unit 14
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Seventh Chords
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Dominant 7th Chords
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Inversions of 7th chords
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Resolutions of 7th chords
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Doublings when using 7th chords
Unit 15
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Chord Connection
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Contrary, Oblique, Similar, Parallel motion
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Rules for connecting chords
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Voice crossing, voice overlap
Unit 16
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Chord Structure
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Open, Close
Unit 17
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Transposition
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Define
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Instruments – in general, specific
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Woodwind Quartet
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Brass Quartet
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Clarinet Quartet
Unit 18
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Basic harmonization of a melody
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How???
Final Exam
The most efficient means of contacting me with questions is through email although the high school office can usually
locate me in the district if parents would like to contact me by phone.
Grading
There are four main evaluations throughout the course for which you will receive a grade:
1. Homework Assignments – COMPLETED DAILY!!
2. In class work
3. Composition(s) – how many depends on time
4. Final Exam
In addition to the above, you will also receive grades for:
1. Ear training attempts
2. Class Participation (including singing)
A 93-100 - Excellent
D 70-76 - Poor
B 85-92 - Good
F 69 or below - Failure
C 77-84 - Average
Punctuality is important. Points will be deducted from homework assignments that are not turned in on the date due.
Points will be deducted from your class participation grade each time you are late to class without a pass. In addition, no
extra time will be allowed to make up a quiz or any other missed work unless a valid pass is presented.
It is understood that students may miss a class from time to time for illness and school approved absences.
Assignments/quizzes missed will be made up on the next day the student is in school. Points will be deducted for each
additional day the work is late unless special arrangements are made with the teacher. Work missed for unexcused
absences or skipping will not be made up and students will receive a grade of zero for that assignment in addition to losing
points from the class participation grade.