AP Music Theory Mrs. Lynn Brewer lynnbrewer@tomballisd.net 2016-2017: Syllabus Course Overview Each week we explore the world of music theory using four methods writing, reading, singing and listening. Students will be exposed to a wide range of music literature that will be used for listening exercises, analysis, score study, application of learned materials and other various aspects. We take time to drill intervals, chords and scales. Drills are done visually, aurally and through the computer lab using the four methods listed above. Students are also expected to practice singing skills and solfege and drill intervals, chords, and scales. I encourage my students to listen, break down and build everything they encounter musically. Course Resources: Benward, Bruce and J. Timothy Kolosick. Ear Training: A Technique for Listening, 7th ed, New York, NY, McGraw-Hill, 2005. Benward, Bruce, and Marilyn Saker. Music in Theory and Practice. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997 Clendinning, Jane and Elizabeth Marvin. The Musician's Guide to Theory and Analysis, 2nd ed. New York, NY, W.W. Norton and Company, 2011. Gerou, Tom and Linda Lusk. The Essential Dictionary of Music Notation, Van Nuys, CA, Alfred Publishing Company Inc., 1996. Kostka, Stefan and Dorothy Payne. Tonal Hamony, 5th ed. New York, NY, McGraw-Hill, 2004. Mayfield, Connie. Theory Essentials: An Integrated Approach to Harmony, Ear Training, and Keyboard Skills Vols 1 & 2. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. Ottman, Robert. Elementary Harmony: Theory and Practice, 5th ed. Pearson, 1997. Ottman, Robert. Workbook for Elementary Harmony: Theory and Practice, 5th ed. Prentice Hall, 1998. Scoogins, Nancy. Barron's AP Music Theory, 2nd ed. Barron's Educational Series, 2014. The AP Vertical Teams Guide for Music Theory. College Entrance Examination Board, 2002. Ricci Adam's Music Theory Website: www.musictheory.com Fundamental Topics: Vocabulary will be tested in each unit. 1
AP Music Theory Sequence 1. Music Fundamentals: Aspects of Sounds, Staves and Clefs, Notation 2. Rhythm and Meter: Simple, Duple, Irregular 3. Scales, Keys, Modes: Major, Minor, Church modes, Pentatonic and Whole tone 4. Aural Unit I: Benchmark 1 5. Ear training: Melodic Dictation and sight singing melodies 6. Harmonic Organization I : Intervals, Triads, and Seventh Chords 7. Harmonic Organization II: Inversion symbols and figured bass 8. Harmonic Organization III: Chord Function and Cadences 9. Aural Unit II: Benchmark 2 10. Harmonic Composition: Part-writing 11. Melodic Compositions: Melodic Structure, Non-Chord Tones 12. Aural Skills II: Melodic Dictation 13. Key Relationships: Mode Mixture, Modulation, Closely Related Keys 14. Secondary Function Harmony: Secondary Dominants and Leading Tones 15. Aural Unit III: Benchmark 3 16. Harmonic Composition Part II: Part writing and figured bass free response questions 17. Harmonic Dictation 18. Visual Score Part I: Phrase structure and Sectional Form, texture, Instrumentation, Transposition 19. Score Analysis Part II (Strategies for MC Part B): Musical Elements, and score study 20. Strategies for MC Part A: Developing Listening Skills 21. Strategies for Melodic Dictation FR 1 and FR 2 22. Strategies for Harmonic Dictation FR 3 and FR 4 23. Strategies for Harmonizing a Melody FR 7 24. Strategies for Sight-Singing 25. Practice Tests: During and after school (Schedule based on majority class availability) *Take AP Test- May 8th, 2017 @8:00 AM, Music Genres and composition projects. Optional: TSSEC (UIL Music Theory Test) sign up with ensemble director. 2
All students are highly encouraged to take the AP Music Theory Exam: Monday, May 8 th, 2017 A) 45% multiple choice questions both aural and non-aural. B) 45% free response questions: two melodic dictation examples and two harmonic dictation examples, one part-writing example using figured bass, one part-writing example using roman numerals, and one melodic harmonization example. C) 10% Sight-Singing: Students will individually perform two sight-singing examples alone. GENERAL CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: Attendance/ Tardies: Absences and tardies are recorded each day during class. Grades: major grades are worth 70% and daily grades are worth 30% of a final grade. Major grades may include timed quizzes, tests, compositions, dictation assignments, and final projects. Homework: Must be turned in on the due date. Also see the school handbook. Respect: Respect of fellow classmates, teachers, and classroom materials is a non-negotiable. A Dual Credit/AP/Pre-AP student receiving a long term placement in AEP (more than 15 days) will be exited from the Dual Credit/AP/Pre-AP course and changed to a grade level placement for that course. As a result of this change, the student will no longer be receiving quality points for the assigned course. Dual Credit students affected by this will need to withdraw from Lonestar College as per college procedures or risk receiving a failing grade on their college transcript. STUDENT SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS: 1) Workbook: Students are required to purchase a theory textbook outside of class. This text doubles as a workbook comes with a listening CD and two AP practice exams. Scoggin, Nancy. Barron's AP Music Theory with MP3 CD, 2 nd Edition (Paperback 2014) this textbook can be purchased at The Book Attic, any Barnes and Noble bookstore or online at Amazon.com for approximately $25-$35. Students will need this textbook in class no later than Friday, August 29 th. It will count as the first major grade of the semester. 2) Three-Ring Binder with tabs: Students are expected to keep notes, handouts, music scores, and staff paper organized in a three ring binder. 3
3) Staff Paper or Manuscript Paper: FREE staff paper can be found at Blanksheetmusic.net. Students will use staff paper every day. 4) Pencils: Students are required to complete written work in pencil. 5) Ear Buds / Headphones: Each student must use ear buds/ headphones in order to use the student notation computer lab. 6) Flash drive/ google drive /dropbox: Students will create several compositions using a music software program called Sibelius. In order to ensure that students do not lose files, students should save all computer work onto a flash or thumb drive. 7) Remind / Edlio page/google Classroom: Students will be asked to sign up for Remind 101 in order to receive quick updates and reminders via text message. Teacher Website: Students will be asked to subscribe to AP Music Theory for assignment and project links. In addition to writing, listening, reading and singing music every day, the following strategic activities are meant to promote music education, music interest and music awareness. 1) Sight-singing: The AP exam requires each student to sing two examples at sight. Students will only be scored on accuracy in rhythm, pitch, and flow. 2) Listening Journal: Students will listen, analyze and discuss music excerpts. 3) Student Compositions: Student compositions, either hand- written on staff paper or computer generated through noteflight will be on display in the Music Theory classroom. 4) Ensemble Music: Students who are members of school band, choir or orchestra will have the opportunity to analyze music these ensembles are rehearsing. 5) Student Performer Days: Students will be given volunteer opportunities to perform in a small group or individually. Students will perform a personal composition, ensemble music, or sight reading exercise while classmates notate and answer questions about the performance. Performer Fridays will occur approximately once every grading period. 6) Music & Culture: Students are encouraged to bring in and post school-appropriate articles and / or photos of their favorite music artists or music groups. 7) Music & Technology: Students are strongly encouraged to download music theory related APPS, quizlet, kahoot and teoria on their phones, and other devices in other to supplement classroom learning. 4
Additional Information: Communication is key! If students or parents have any questions or concerns, feel free to call Mrs. Brewer at 281-357-3220 ext. 2501 or email at lynnbrewer@tomballisd.net. Email is the best form of communication. Extra Help Outside of Class: Students are able to receive extra help after class on the days there is not a choir activity, as long as they schedule it ahead of time. Must be the 2 nd edition. Please Sign and Return to class by Friday, August 28, 2015 I,, understand the requirements and expectations of AP Music Theory and that my textbook - Scoggin, Nancy. Barron's AP Music Theory with MP3 CD, 2nd Edition (Paperback 2014) is due in class this Friday, August 26 th for the first major grade of the semester. (Student Signature Above) (Parent Signature Above) / / Date / / Date 5