Music Theory and Ear Training Course Syllabus
Course: Music Theory and Ear Training IV
Credit: One Carnegie Unit
Course Description
Music Theory and Ear Training IV is for students who have completed the requirements for Theory III. A fourth year of music theory is required for graduation as a four-year vocal or instrumental music major. This course reviews and reinforces basic musicianship skills: sight singing, ear training, and dictation, and reviews the rudiments of written theory. The course continues the focus on interval and chord structure and harmonic analysis that was started in Theory III.
Content Standards
DCPS music content standards make up the core skills, concepts and knowledge for Music Theory IV:
1. Perform a variety of repertoire.
2. Improvise, compose, and arrange.
3. Read and notate music.
4. Listen, analyze, and evaluate.
These standards are incorporated in the course outline below.
Course Outline
The student will:
1. review all tasks covered in Theory III, with emphasis on sight singing,* ear training, dictation and any areas of weakness.
2. write a contrapuntal line to a given melody following 18th century voice leading procedures.
3. identify on the page and by ear and write authentic, plagal, deceptive, and half cadences in all keys.
4. analyze a 4 part chorale-style piece using Roman numerals to represent the chords and figured bass notation to designate the inversions; identify passing and neighboring tones and suspensions in the melody.
5. arrange a chorale for instrumental ensemble using appropriate transpositions. Define and apply musical terms appropriate to all concepts learned.
6. demonstrate responsibility and commitment to music theory through regular attendance, participation, and preparation.
*Note: Students will sing all songs and exercises using solfege syllables (moveable “Do” system with minor tonic on “La”) and letter names, including accidentals (see attached singing requirements). Students will sing scales and chords by rote or from memory and will sight-read tonal patterns and melodies. See attached singing requirements.
Materials: Workbook or worksheets, sight-singing materials, pencil, eraser, manuscript paper, theory notebook.
Course Requirements
1. Students must be in class on time each day. Any absence must be supported by a note from home. Five or more unexcused absences within an advisory could result in failure for that advisory (see student handbook).
2. Students must take all tests, quizzes, and final examinations. Make-ups will be given only for excused absences.
3. Students must turn in all class assignments at the end of the class and homework assignments on the designated due date. A student who has missed a class for any reason, including legitimate school performances, must make up all class and homework assignments that were missed.
4. Students must keep a theory notebook with all class notes, completed assignments, and handouts.
5. Students must bring all required materials to class each day: pencil, eraser, theory notebook, workbook. All written work must be done in pencil.
6. Students may not eat, drink, or chew gum in class. Students may not bring radios, tape recorders, CD players, or headphones to class; the use of these items is strictly prohibited.
7. Students must participate in classwork. Sleeping or misbehaving in class will not be tolerated.
Grading will be based on the following areas, to be weighted at the discretion of the teacher:
Class participation and performance
Written class and homework assignments
Tests and quizzes
Final advisory examination
Attendance