Music Theory is specifically geared to students in the Concert and Debut Orchestras. Courses are designed to create a working knowledge of written theory and aural skills that will improve students’ capacity to understand and perform music at an advanced level.
Fall semester courses focus on developing student understanding of the fundamental elements of music, such as scale structure, melody, rhythm, harmony, and form. Spring semester offers courses in special topics that include more advanced and creative tasks such as composition, harmonization, and 20th century techniques.
Enrollment in Music Theory supports understanding of musical concepts in rehearsals, thereby broadening the students’ potential for growth.
Concert Orchestra Theory: Saturdays at 12:20 – 1:10 pm
Fall 08
Advanced Music Theory
Appropriate for students who have previously studied some theory. A step up from fundamental studies in scales and chords & inversions, this course will discuss part writing, hymn tune analysis, and complex forms and cadences. Some of the class time will be spent on ear training and sight singing. This is a perfect class for returning students who have taken CO Theory in the past.
Spring 09
20th Century Techniques
An overview of contemporary music and compositional techniques. This course will discuss concepts such as atonal music, 12-tone theory, and minimalism. Class time will be dedicated to studying each technique through scores and listening to musical examples, as well as applying these techniques to create students’ own pieces.
Debut Orchestra Theory: Saturdays at 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Fall 08
Intermediate Music Theory
Appropriate for students who have some previous study in basic theory concepts. Topics of this Intermediate course include modes, chord construction, inversions, dominant chords, cadences and phrases. Some class time will be spent on ear training and sight singing to enhance musicianship skills.
Spring 09
Composition
An introduction to basic principles of composition. Students will create original melodies and create accompaniments using simple chord progressions. Class discussions will also include chord tones vs. non-chord tones, and form & analysis.