1 Credit
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on a music skills placement test and teacher permission
Required Tools: Instrumentalists must have their own instrument at home with the exception of percussionists, who should have the core instruments (snare and bells) at home but can use the school's percussion inventory to diversify their recital program. Additional Fee: Though not a school fee, private music lessons on a student's primary instrument or voice must be taken through the senior year recital in late March. IB examination fees will be incurred the second year of the course. |
This is the first year of a two-year course that explores comprehensive musicianship: music theory, music history, knowledge of music from various cultures around the world, performance and compositional practices. This course prepares students for the IB Music Examination.
Students learn by frequent critical listening and analysis of works drawn from Western Art ("Classical"), World and Popular musics. Student musicians perform regularly in front of their peers and the instructor to gain experience and receive feedback. Composing is undertaken in conjunction with applicable music theory areas, starting with short exercises and building to writing full sections by year's end.
This course is a year-long elective for juniors. Students who would like to develop their musical skills to a high level, especially those who are considering a career in any music-related field should take this course. Key skills are the ability to listen critically and express findings from analysis (both in class discussion and in writing) and to work both independently and in collaboration with peers. It is important that students approach all studied music with an open mind and to seek to understand both the emotional and intellectual aspects that are present in all well-crafted musical works.
Students must take private instruction with a qualified instructor on her/his instrument or voice through the senior year recital in late March. Interested students should contact the instructor to arrange for an inventory of musical concepts no later than the end of their freshman year.
Units of Study
The Elements of Music: Melody, Rhythm, Harmony, Texture, Dynamics, Articulation, Timbre
Musical Organization: Structure and Forms
Theory: Key Signatures, Scales, Intervals, Triads, Dominant and Diminished 7th Chords
Renaissance Vocal Music
Renaissance Instrumental Music
The Analysis Process: Structure, Elements, Terminology, Context
Baroque Vocal Music
Baroque Instrumental Music
Classical Form: The Sonata Cycle
Classical Chamber Music
Classical Symphony: Symphony No. 94 by Haydn (Prescribed Work #1)
World Music: Indonesia, the Andes, North America, Africa, the Middle East
Performance Presentations 1 and 2
Composition: Voice-leading and Redistribution, Functional Chord Progressions, Melody Construction, Melody-Harmony Agreement, Accompaniment Writing, Tonicization/Modulation, Sectional Coherence