Madison High School
Course Expectation Sheet
ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY
Instructor: Mr. Michael A. Silvestri
Phone Extension: 7187
E-Mail:[email protected]
Webpage: District Website
Office Location: In Band Room Suite
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I. Course Description
Advanced Placement Music Theory will develop students' aural, analytical, performance and
compositional skills. Areas of study will include terminology, notation, history, four-part harmony,
counterpoint, dictation, improvisation, ear training and score study. In addition, students will utilize current
music technology including Finale and midi-synthesizers in class. The course is intended for junior and
senior level music students and will prepare students to take the AP Music Theory Exam.
II. Required Materials
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Textbook
Medium-sized binder
Pencils...pen will not be accepted
Conducting Baton (if desired)
Instrument on performance days
III. Classroom Expectations
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
Read the textbook
Keep an organized notebook
Complete all homework in a timely fashion
Participate in daily ear-training examples including sight-singing and dictation
Analyze critical listening and performance examples and scores
Perform in a group and/or solo
Participate in class discussions, individual and group harmonization of SATB examples
Complete arranging and composition projects using Finale and/or midi-synthesizers
Complete and perform SATB examples in class
Utilize the Library & Internet for further listening and/or research
IV. Grading Policy
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Theory Tests & Projects (30)
Theory Quizzes (20)
Sight-Singing & Dictation Quizzes (20)
Homework & Notebook Checks (10)
Class Participation (10)
Listening Analyses (10)
V. Late Work & Make-up Policy
Homework is expected to be completed and handed in on time. Work will be accepted one day late but for a
reduced grade of 10 points. Major assignments are subject to the same policy.
VI. Class Participation
This class is intended to develop students' musicianship at the AP level. Although every student
already possesses one or more strong area(s) the purpose of the class is to develop the other areas of
musicianship that may not be their strength therefore; students are expected to try their best in all activities
and keep a proper perspective in all activities.
A. Students will utilize and develop the following skills including:
1. Notation
2. Listening
3. Sight-Singing
4. Dictation
5. Analysis/Critique
6. Arranging
7. Composition
8. Performance
9. Keyboard Technique
10. Score Study
11. Conducting
12. Music Technology
B. The class will be taught via five overlapping areas including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ear-training through Sight Singing & Dictation
Music Theory including Four Part Harmony and Counterpoint
Listening with Analysis & Critique
Performance including Analysis, Critique and Conducting
Creativity through Arranging and Composition
VII. Major Assignments
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Harmonic Analysis Project - 1st marking period
Arranging Project - 2nd marking period
Mid-term Exam
“Come to Terms with the Terms” Project – 3rd marking Period
AP Music Theory Test
Composition Project - 4th marking period
Final Exam
VIII. I am available during period 4 on C & D days or by appointment due to my rotating lesson schedule.