Music Theory and Composition

In this class students learn to recognize and understand the basic materials of music – including melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, texture and form. Students develop their skills through listening, dictation, sight-singing, harmonic analysis, and composition. Each student will learn basic keyboard proficiency including scales, chords and arpeggios.  In addition to daily written assignments, sight-singing, and dictation, students will complete a series of compositions throughout the year. Students will become familiar with a wide variety of music software to aid in learning and composition, including Sibelius, Auralia and a broad range of synthesizers and music recording software.

Textbook(s): Theory Essentials by Connie Mayfield

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: John Boyd