MUSIC THEORY I COURSE SYLLABUS 2016/2017

Class meets M-F for 40 weeks

Mrs. Newton - Room 114 - emnewton@buffaloschools.org

BASIC SKILLS/CONTENT:

1. LISTENING:

* Develop the ability to identify how the elements of music function within a piece.

2. EAR TRAINING/AURAL SKILLS:

* Sight sing intervals,chords and melodies in major and minor keys using the Solfege system.

* Chant rhythms in various meters using a basic counting system.

* Notate melodies, rhythms and harmonic progressions upon hearing them repeated several times. Musical examples used will reflect a wide variety of cultures and historical time periods.

3. COMPOSING:

* Compose (organize, arrange) music in some medium.

* Notating music by hand as well as use a computer-based notation program.

* The rules of traditional harmonic part writing will be stressed.

4. USING BASIC MUSICAL TOOLS:

* acquire and use basic musical tools that are central to the understanding of music literacy and composition.

TOPICS OF STUDY:

1.) What is "music"/music theory?

2.) The Elements of Music.

3.) Rhythm, Meter

4.) Scales: Major, 3 Forms of Minor

5.) Key Signatures

6.) Intervals

7.) Triads (major, minor, augmented, diminished)

7.) Chords (seventh)

8.) Chord Inversions

9) Cadences

10 Rules of 4-part Writing.

11.) Non-harmonic tones.

12.) 4-Part Chorale Composition

We will be covering the above in a variety of ways - class lectures, student participation, reading and demonstration, projects, etc....

Homework:

* Any classwork not finished becomes homework;

* Projects will be worked on in class and at home.

* Homework is due on the date given – LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED unless it is due to illness or another extenuating circumstance discussed with Mrs. Newton. I

* If you miss homework because of being absent it is your responsibility to get the assignment and turn it in on the next day.

*You will be given one "Free Pass" for each quarter which can be used to hand in one homework assignment late (no more than 3 days without penalty.*)

Attendance:

* Attendance is mandatory.

* Students arriving late MUST have a pass and will not be allowed into class without one.

*Skipping will not be tolerated and will result in parental and administrative notification and a lowering of your grade.

Textbook/Noteflight:

* There is no textbook required for the course, but you are required to register for NOTEFLIGHT Music Notation Software on your personal computer. If you don't have a personal computer, you can register online for a free Noteflight account on any computer.

* You MUST provide me with your login information because you will be completing some of your assignments using Noteflight. You will also be accessing some assignment I provide using this program.

Extra Credit

* There will be some opportunities to earn extra credit through participation in “My Music Days".

Electronic Devices:

* Use of any and all electronic devices including cell phones is prohibited unless permission is given by Mrs. Newton.

Restroom Use:

* Students will not be excused from class for restroom or any other reason unless it is an emergency. Please take care if restroom needs prior to class.

Grading Policy:

* Homework = 30%

* Quizzes/Tests/Projects/Class Participation = 70%

Materials Needed:

Coming to class prepared is important in being a fully participating member of class and in gaining and practicing musical skills. Material are REQUIRED at every class.

* Binder with pockets

* Notebook (loose leaf in binder or wire-bound)

* Pencils and erasers;

* Staff/Manuscript Paper - can be purchased from a music store or downloaded and printed at Blanksheetmusic.net (choose the style that has “no clef”)

* No work will be accepted in anything but pencil. **

* Coming to class without ALL of the above materials will result in a grade penalty.

* You are expected to have all handouts every day as well as take thorough notes.

Classroom Etiquette:

* Students are expected to follow rules and procedures of proper classroom behavior including: being respectful to teacher and classmates, being attentive,using proper posture, not being disruptive, and being prepared. Failure to do so will result in a grading penalty.

* When the bell rings you are in your seat, ready to go.

* Needing to be reminded will result in contacting of parents and lowering of grade.

Expectations:

*You are expected to apply yourself at all times in class and to use all available resources (websites, class instruction and handouts, etc...) to master content.

* Mrs. Newton is here to provide extra help, but you must be proactive in seeking this out when needed.

*The material in this class is presented so that every student has the ability to do very well and gain knowledge that will improve their skills as a musician, but you must be willing to take an active part in this learning and musical experience.

* Students are expected to follow the guidelines of "Effective Effort" as outlined in the City Honors Student Handbook.