MUSIC THEORY

Fall Semester 2010

Mr. Giannelli

Mods 7-8

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to give students a better understanding of the mechanics of music. We will be studying various aspects of music including the three main components: rhythm, melody, and harmony. This course will mainly consist of notes from lecture/discussion and in-class assignments. There will be quizzes and tests given on a regular basis as well as an occasional homework assignment.

MUSIC THEORY NOTEBOOK:

There is no textbook for this course, but there will be several handouts. Each student is expected to keep a music theory notebook which will include the following course materials:

1. Notes

2. Assignments, Projects, and Homework

3. Quizzes and Tests

This notebook will be checked once a marking period. Anyone with an “A” average at the time of the notebook check will receive an automatic “A” for their notebook grade. Notebook checks will count as one homework grade.

GRADING:

This course will run for one semester and will be based on the following types of grades:

Assignment and Homework 30% of final grade

Quizzes and Tests 40% of final grade

Special Projects 20% of final grade

Participation 10% of final grade

· Assignment Due Dates Are FIRM! Each student will be allowed one late homework assignment per marking period. This late work will be accepted up to 1 day late only (anything turned in past 1 day is a grade of “0”). Anything past the collection time is late! This late assignment will be penalized 10%. Students without any late homework will receive a two point bonus on their homework average. Projects will not be accepted late.

· It is your responsibility to stay on top of due dates and to make-up notes, assignments, or quizzes that are missed as the result of absence from class.

FINAL EXAM:

There will be a final examination for this class. This exam will cover all material discussed over the semester and will count for 20% of your final grade.

COURSE TOPIC OUTLINE:

· Basic Concepts of Music: Terms and Symbols

· Pitch and Clefs

· Rhythmic Concepts and Terminology

· Major Scales and Diatonic Intervals

· Melodic Dictation

· Triads

· Key Signatures and Circle of Fifths

· Basic Voice Leading Principles – Single Line Melody

· Minor Scales and Keys

· Form

· Seventh Chords

· Inversions and Figured Bass

· Basic Voice Leading Principles – two or more parts

CLASSROOM RULES:

· There will be no food or drink in class.

· As per district policy, the use of a cell phone is not permitted in class.

· Be sure to bring course materials to class everyday.

· Do not speak while someone else is talking.

· Treat others with respect at all times.