Songwriting (⅓ Credit)
Continuing Studies in Music Theory**
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Music Theory, or permission from the instructor or department chair
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate Music Theory
During this single-mod course, students will learn to compose original music with and without lyrics in the context of 20th and 21st century popular music song forms. Topics will include creating melodies, chord progressions, accompaniment, harmony, lyric writing and finding alternative sources for lyrics, structuring song form, writing for voice and other popular instruments, and music notation software basics. Students will analyze and discuss examples of music and lyrics by significant songwriters. Participants may also have the opportunity to work with peers in the Audio Engineering courses to make recordings of their songs. The prerequisite for this course is the double-mod Music Theory course or, for those with substantial prior music theory training, passing a proficiency assessment. This course may be repeated once for credit.
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 nonWestern 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.
Advanced Placement Music Theory (Not Offered in 2024-25)
Music Lab (⅓ Credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate 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.
Prerequisite: None; open to students in Grades 9 – 12 This single-mod, performance-based arts elective is designed for students who want to explore the art of musical collaboration. Through a series of projects centered around contemporary music genres, students will use their various musical skills (singing, piano, guitar, strings, percussion, etc.) as they work in a variety of peer groups ranging in size from duos and trios to the entire class as a whole, to prepare cover songs and create new arrangements of existing songs, to perform in class and in various events for the school community such as chapel and open mic nights as well as a special concert at the end of the mod. Prior or concurrent musical experience of any sort, even if minimal, is required. This course may be repeated once for credit.
Theatre Arts and Film Foundations (⅓ Credit) Prerequisite: None In this introductory course, students will be exposed to the many facets of theatre and film production through the viewing and evaluation of plays, screenplays, live performances, and films. Additionally, students will complete project-based assignments that will allow them to explore the function and roles of those involved in the creative process of making plays and films including actors, writers, directors, cinematographers, and designers. Examples of course content may include theatre games, green screening, narrative storytelling, and film composition. Students will enroll in the foundations course before choosing from the other offerings to fill out one year of art credit. Upper School Curriculum Guide
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