MUSIC THEORY
2009-2010
CURRICULUM
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students taking this course develop skills in the analysis of music and theoretical concepts. Students: (1)
develop ear training and dictation skills, (2) compose works that illustrate mastered concepts, (3) understand
choral and harmonic structures and analysis, (4) understand modes and scales, (5) study a wide variety of
musical styles, (6) study traditional and nontraditional music notation and sound sources as tools for musical
composition, and (7) receive detailed instruction in other basic elements of music. Students have the opportunity
to experience live performances, by professionals, during and outside of the school day.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Develop ear training and dictation skills
2. Compose works that illustrate mastered concepts
3. Understand choral and harmonic structures and analysis
4. Understand modes and scales
5. Study a wide variety of musical styles
6. Study traditional and nontraditional music notation and sound sources as tools for musical composition
7. Receive detailed instruction in other basic elements of music
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
What are the mechanics of music?
What is the Western Civilization scale and notation system?
INDIANA STATE STANDARDS
DESIRED RESULTS
Students will be able to:
H.2.1 Play melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic patterns on keyboard, percussion, or other instruments.
H.2.2
Play simple melodies and accompaniments that use primary chord progressions.
H.4.1 Compose simple melodies that demonstrate the principles of unity, variety, repetition, contrast,
form, and melodic contour.
H.4.2
Arrange music for different instruments or voices than originally written including transposing
instruments.
H.5.1
Follow traditional and non-standard notation in musical scores while listening to aural examples.
H.5.2
Identify symbols found in a musical score.
H.6.2
Use correct terminology when describing musical events, musical devices, or instruments used within
an example from a musical work.
H.6.4
Use correct terminology to identify elements and compositional devices in aural examples such as form,
texture, meter, cadences, harmonic progressions, non-harmonic tones, and key changes.
H.8.1
Identify concepts and terms used in the creative process in music and compare their use
in other disciplines.
KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS
Western Civilization scale system, Intervals, Chord Structure, Part-writing, Dictation
APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY
www.musictheory.net, Smart music program, audio recordings
UNITS OF INSTRUCTION (STATE STANDARDS)
Basic Elements – Standard 2
Intervals – Standard 2, 4
Scales – Standard 2, 4, 5
Meters – Standard 2, 4, 5
Triads and Chords – Standards 2, 4, 5, 6
Cadences – Standards 2, 4, 5, 6,
Arranging and Composing – Standards 2, 4, 5, 6, 8
COURSE ASSESSMENTS
WRITTEN TESTS AND QUIZZES
TIMELINE
Week 1 – basic elements of music notation
Week 2 – intervals
Week 3 – major scales
Week 4 – minor scales
Week 5 – rhythms and meters
Week 6 - triads
Week 7 - triads
Week 8 – chords
Week 9 - chords
Week 10 – cadences
Week 11 – arranging for other instruments
Week 12 – composing and review
COURSE MATERIALS: MAJOR TEXTS, PRINCIPAL MATERIALS AND FILMS
KEY TEXTS:
Master Theory Workbook, Theoretical Foundations of Music, and Church Hymnals
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:
Choral anthems, Function chorales