Music Theory and Composition 

Division:  Upper School

Department: Fine and Performing Arts:  Instrumental Music

Course Title/Code:  Music Theory and Composition       Art  381, 382, 383 

Trimester-Long

Course Description:  This course is an introduction to writing music and understanding music theory. Topics covered will include using music notation software, rhythm and note reading, major and minor scales and key signatures, intervals, and chords.  Students will also design an independent project.  The course will be taught in the electronic music lab and will utilize midi keyboards and music software.  May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor 

Goal

• Students will develop basic or intermediate skills for reading, writing and listening to music.

Skills

• Identifying Meter (time signatures)
• Rhythm reading (counting, clapping, and/or performing rhythm patterns)
• Pitch reading in treble and bass clefs (naming notes)
• Constructing and Identifying key signatures – major and minor
• Constructing and Identifying scales – major and minor
• Listening (identifying structure and thematic material of pieces of music)

Activities

• Use Musition 2 software in class to practice music theory skills
• Use Finale music notation software in class to write music and practice music theory skills
• Use www.musictheory.net and finale notepad (free software) at home to complete assignments not finished in class
• Listen to and discuss masterworks of classical music
• Design and complete an individual project involving writing, performing, or analyzing music

Assessment

• Classwork/Homework
• Project

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