Music Theory ECE
This is a UCONN ECE Course that is certified by the university.
This course can acquire college credits.
*Students have the option of taking the AP Music Theory Course in May of the academic year if they work with the instructor to plan an accelerated path to prepare them for the test. Students must start this no later than the end of the first term.
Text: Tonal Harmony Text/Workbook, Kostka-Payne
Required Materials: Staff paper notebook, lined paper notebook, several No. 2 pencils
Technology: Finale, Musition, SightReadingFactory software
Grading Criteria:
- 20% Homework assignments
- 20% Class Quizzes
- 20% Class assignments/ear training exercises
- 20% Exams
- 20% Projects assigned throughout the year
Notes:
- Extra help is always available before and after school and by appointment.
- Several books are available to you in the band library, as well as information on the lab computers. I encourage you to take advantage of these tools throughout the year.
- You can contact me with theory questions at the following email address brian.cyr@meridenk12.org
Sample Course Outline by Week:
Note: Ear training is not listed in the outline, but will take place every week. Homework and reading assignments as well as some projects will be announced in class. Review elements are also not listed, but will take place weekly.
Week I
- Course introduction
- Rhythm activities
- Basic musical symbols
- Simple/duple meter
Week II
- Rhythm review/activities
- Basic pitch symbols
- Basic elements of pitch
- Note names
Week III
- Tempo/dynamics
- Accidentals
- Melody analysis
- Begin singing in class
Week IV
- Half/whole steps
- The piano keyboard
- Reinforcers/review/activities
- Tetrachords
- Maj-min scales
Week V
- Maj-min scales continued
- Scale degrees
- Solfedge
Week VI
- Reinforce m&m scales and all m forms
- Quick mode intro/history revelance
- Key signatures
Week VII
- Key Signatures
- Cycle of 5ths
- Key relationships
Week VIII
- Melodic dictation starts
- Key review
- Assessment #1
Week IX
- Triads
- Triadic Inversions
Week X
- Melody analysis
- Simple composition
Week XI
- Figured bass
- Melody analysis
Week XII
- 7th chords
- 7th inversions
Week XIII
- Roman numerals
- Chord progression chart given out
- Basic composition
Week XIV
- Voice Leading rules
- Basic composition
Week XV
- Homophonic analysis
- Voice leading rules
- Basic composition
- Review
Week XVI
- Review
- Mid-term exam
Week XVII
- Secondary dominants
- Basic composition using all
- I IV V I Progression
Week XVIII
- Cadences
- Melodic sequence
Week XIX
- SATB Writing
Week XX
- Species counterpoint
Week XXI
- Harmonizing a melody
- Chord progression
Week XXII
- Part writing with inversions
- Treatment of 6/4 chords
Week XXIII
- Phrasing and periods
- Analysis
- Texture terms
Week XXIV
- NCT’s
Week XXV
- Modulation
- Harmonic rhythm
Week XXVI
- Part writing with 7th chords
- All inclusive composing
Week XXVII
- Composition
Week XXIX
- Review
- Administering of the AP exam
Week XXX
- Review
Week XXXI
- Review
- Test week
Week XXXII & XXXIII
- Final project time