MUSIC THEORY

Lori Lausche, Music Teacher

Larchmont Charter School

Lafayette Park Campus

LCS MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Larchmont Charter School is to provide a socio-economically, culturally and racially diverse community of students with an exceptional public education. We foster creativity and academic excellence; our students learn with and from each other in an experience-centered, inquiry-based learning environment. With participation from our entire community, we strive to instill in each student a dedication to improving the world we inhabit.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The major emphasis of this course is to develop student achievement through the study of the vertical and horizontal aspects of music including the structure,function, and interrelationships of scales, intervals and chords. The course also develops the following skills: sight singing, ear training, reading and writing music, playing/keyboard application, analyzing chords and harmonic progressions, aesthetic appreciation, and beginning composition.

Students will be able to:

Read, notate from dictation, and use rhythms and pitches

Sing major and minor scales without instrumental support

Identify, understand, and apply musical terms and symbols

Identify aural and written melodic intervals and various scales

Identify and write major and minor key signatures using the Circle of 5ths

Identify and write triads I, IV, and V and use them to harmonize melodies

Identify, define, and use directional markings

Know and use the classroom musical keyboard

Compose original musical works within given parameters to express meaning

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

The following are some of the essential questions that will guide our study:

  • How is sound organized to make music?
  • How is melody created?
  • What inspires someone to create a piece of music?
  • What criteria do we use to evaluate a musical composition?
  • How do the elements of music help me to improve my understanding of a musical performance?

GRADING

Your academic grade reflects how well you have demonstrated mastery of the course’s learning standards. Academic grades are earned as outlined below:

  • Written work, projects, assessments (50%)
  • Musical skill/performance assessments (35%)
  • Participation in music making activity (5%)
  • Prepared with required materials (5%)
  • Homework (5%)

NOTE: Due to the unique nature of this course, only work completed in pencil will be considered for credit.

GRADING SCALE

A+98 - 100%

A93 - 97%

A-90 - 92%

B+88 - 89%

B83 - 87%

B-80 - 82%

C+78 - 79%

C 73 - 77%

C-70 - 72%

D+68 - 69%

D63 - 67%

D-60 - 62%

F59% and below

IIncomplete

HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS

Homework is an opportunity to individually practice concepts and skills covered in whole-group instruction. Homework will be given only when it is pertinent and beneficial for the student. Homework (short daily practice of content) will be due at the beginning of the next class meeting. No late homework will be accepted for credit unless a student had an excused absence. Larger assignments and projects will be accepted late for credit with a 10% grade reduction for each school day beyond the due date.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

A Larchmont Charter School High School student is a life-long learner who:

Communicates, Seeks to understand, Demonstrates respect, Takes responsibility, & Perseveres

The following guidelines will help you fulfill LCS’s ESLRs of the school:

Be Respectful:To yourself, to one another, to the teacher, and to the subject being studied.

Be Prepared:Bring your materials, homework, and a willing attitude. No locker passes will be given.

Be Self Aware:Dress appropriately, leave cell phone in locker or bag, and bring a positive attitude.

Be Fearless:Take risks, be curious, and be open to learning new things.

Be Productive:Be on time, work hard, and take pride in that work.

Be Honest:With yourself, your classmates, and your teachers.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

The following materials are to be with students every single class meeting:

  • Student workbook: Essentials of Music Theory (provided by LCS)
  • 1” binder dedicated to Music Theory
  • Plenty of pencils and erasers
  • Individual ear buds/headphones for use with keyboards and computers

UNITS OF STUDY

Unit 1RhythmUnit 8Major and Relative Minor Scales

Unit 2PitchUnit 9Key Signatures

Unit 3Standard NotationUnit 10Chromatic Scales

Unit 4Expanded RhythmsUnit 11Chords/Triads

Unit 5Time SignaturesUnit 12Progressive Harmony

Unit 6IntervalsUnit 13Chord/Triad Inversions

Unit 7Directional Marks, Terms & SymbolsUnit 147th Chords

Composition and listening are ongoing throughoutall units.

KEEP THIS COURSE SYLLABUS IN YOUR MUSIC THEORY BINDER AT ALL TIMES.