Music Theory I  

is an advanced music class which introduces students to the history and evolution of Western Music. Through this class, students discover and understand why the music we know sounds the way it does. Students receive "hands on" training in writing music in specific styles and learning how to recognize certain characteristics of music when they hear them. The class is conducted in a manner similar to an ongoing seminar, and all students are expected to participate fully. Meaningful and constructive participation in discussions and demonstrations will receive heavy consideration at grading periods.

The first semester traces the evolution of western music from its origins to the time of Bach. The students are exposed to examples of music from each era through that time, why that music sounds the way it does, and how and why each era evolved into the next. Once the class reaches Bach, the students are exposed to the basic rules of writing that evolved from Bach's chorale writings and learn how to employ those rules in Major keys. They are also exposed to ear training and music dictation.

The second semester exposes the students to more advanced rules of writing that evolved from Bach's chorale writings and they learn how to employ those rules also in minor keys, modulations, and extended chord forms. They are exposed to more advanced ear training and music dictation.