Introduction to Strings (⅓ Credit)
Continuing Studies in Music Theory**
Prerequisite: Access to a violin, viola or cello
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory
This course, offered only in Mod 1, is intended for beginning level students who wish to devote time to building foundational skills in violin, viola or cello. Students will improve left and right hand technique and optimize tone production through their work on exercises, songs, and independent study. Students who complete this course are not required to but may develop skills that prepare them to advance to the Orchestra class being offered in Mods 2, 4, and 6.
This course will encompass a cross-disciplinary field of study of music and music theory. Students in Continuing Studies will explore how music affects emotion and perception. They will also engage in reflective processes to practice artistic critique and the implementation of direct feedback into their performances. The curriculum focuses both on composition and in-depth musical analysis. Materials will draw from all major European practice periods, as well as from non-western musical traditions around the world. Students have the option of meeting more advanced benchmarks on each major course assignment to pursue a deeper understanding of music theory. Those who achieve the established criteria for AP-level work throughout the year will be eligible to earn AP credit whether they sit for the AP exam or not. All students have the option to take the AP Music Theory exam in May.
Music Theory Prerequisite: Open to students in Grades 10 – 12 The Music Theory curriculum will generate a cross-disciplinary field of study that connects music to the rest of the world. The focus of this course will be in-depth musical analysis. Instruction will also include an exploration of aural analysis and music history. The music studied in this course will come from all major practice periods, as well as from non-western traditions around the world. Project-based learning will be a major focus in this course. Students will compose their own pieces, design listening examples, write papers, and prepare presentations. All of these assignments will have collaborative elements within their processes. Students will also have the opportunity to teach what they learn to the class on a regular basis.
Advanced Placement Music Theory Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory This course presents materials for study from a first-year college music theory curriculum. Preceded by a preliminary review of fundamental music theory, we approach the mastery of advanced music theory through the study of chord construction, chord successions, harmonic analysis, and part-writing. The course also focuses on the study of melody, including melodic construction (form) and the characteristic elements of successful melodic writing. The development of aural skills through interval and chord recognition, and melodic and harmonic dictation are also major aspects of the course. Project-based learning will be a major focus in this course. Students will compose their own pieces, design listening examples, write papers, and prepare presentations. All of these assignments will have collaborative elements within their processes. Students will also have the opportunity to teach what they learn to the class on a regular basis. This course will prepare students to take the AP Music Theory exam.
Upper School Curriculum Guide
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