Music Theory I is designed to familiarize the student with the fundamentals of music theory and to help develop the student’s basic skills. This course serves two purposes: it prepares the students for entrance to college as music major and it is used as a comprehensive terminal course in the fundamentals of music for the non-music major. The course develops specific skills necessary for the student to improve his aural-visual perception of the art. In addition, a heightened awareness of the fundamental concepts such as notation, rhythm, music listening, musical terms, dictation, chord progression, modes, intervals and beginning composition will produce a greater appreciation for music.
Students who enroll for Music Theory II must have passed Music Theory I or demonstrate proficiency in Theory I skills. Similar fundamentals are addressed, however they are studied at a more advanced level; for example, chord progressions are studied with an emphasis on voice leading. Music listening is continued with the addition of score analysis. Dictation is expanded into two melodic lines. Compositional skills are further developed. Reading of clefs is expanded beyond bass and treble clef. The course will advance the fundamentals with the goal of achieving skills appropriate for basic college Music Theory 101 classes.