Welcome to the Music Theory Program at Neuqua Valley High School!

What is “Music Theory”? 

Music Theory is, in its simplest form, the study of the characteristics of music.  In this study, one discovers how sounds are put together, why they sound the way they do when put in different combinations, and how those combinations can be manipulated.  In the end, as the study of Music Theory introduces the student to the elements of music, one discovers what music is. This may seem like common sense, or simplistic, however when studying Music Theory, one discovers that music has many hidden qualities and treasures that are intriguing and engaging.

Why Study “Music Theory”?

Answer this question: What is it that separates the truly great musical performers from all others?  Chances are, it is not their technical prowess in and of itself, but rather, the insight they bring to a piece of music.  Interpretation is actually a form of music analysis.  Many people have spent years learning to play an instrument or to sing, and they no doubt possess a degree of interpretative ability.  When they prepare a work for performance, they add a crescendo here, a more forceful attack there, a slight pause at the end of a certain phrase, and so on.  These things they do initially because their teacher has told them to do so.  In time, however, they mature musically, and begin to sense the places where such nuances are required.  They add them because they “sound right.” 

The purpose of the Music Theory courses at Neuqua Valley High School is to make students fully aware of the factors that govern their interpretation, and to deepen their awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the elements that make up a piece of music.  Whatever musical background students come from, music theory can be intriguing and inspiring.  By knowing how elements of music interact to create musical style and effect, students become musicians, and will be better able to bring a piece of music to life and communicate its essence to others.

What is “Aural Skills”?

"Aural Skills” is simply strengthening a person’s musical senses and perception, and connecting those senses to musical activities (i.e. listening, singing, notating, reading, composing, etc.)  Primarily, students will practice aural skills as it corresponds to the theoretical topics we study.  That is not to say that aural skills is less important, but rather, achievement in Music Theory depends upon achievement in Aural Skills, and vice versa. 

Students in the Music Theory courses at Neuqua Valley  work on aural skills almost daily, much like an athletic team or musical performing group has a daily warm-up before the practice or rehearsal.  Some of the aural skills addressed are listening, keyboard skills, performing rhythms accurately, singing melodies accurately, dictation (notating rhythms and melodies heard being performed), and recognizing harmonic progressions.  The goal is to develop the "seeing ear" and the "hearing eye".

Aural Skills can be quite intimidating, and there are no short cuts in learning aural skills.  Students cannot acquire the skills they need by studying irregularly but intensely.  Instead, successful students plan to practice steadily and consistently, a little bit every day.  If students find they are having problems with a particular skill, they are consistently invited and encouraged to ask for assistance.  Each part of the Music Theory courses builds on the skills acquired in the previous part, so if students fall behind, they often become quite frustrated.

Program Overview

The fundamental goals of the Introduction and Advanced Placement Music Theory courses is instill the ability to distinguish, describe, comprehend, and employ basic musical materials and processes.  The achievement of this goal is encouraged by integrated experiences in reading, listening, performing, analyzing, and composing music.  Musical concepts are addressed through a wide variety of contexts, including western tonal repertoire, contemporary, jazz, popular, and the music of nonwestern cultures.  Concepts will be taught from a pedagogic perspective.  That is, students will not only be able to identify and use concepts, but will also have the tools to guide a novice musician to understand the concepts.  The basis of this style is the theory that one does not fully comprehend the many facets of a concept unless they are able to concisely and effectively teach those concepts. A good deal of attention is given to applying correct notational skills and musical performance factors.  Efficiency and fluency of basic materials is emphasized as the course progresses to include sophisticated and comprehensive creative musical tasks.

Throughout Introduction and Advanced Placement Music Theory, students will learn to read and listen to musical works attentively and analytically, developing a "seeing ear" and "hearing eye" and an ability to articulate responses to the formal, stylistic, and aesthetic qualities of musical works.  While performance is not a primary focal point, it will be a part of this learning process as it provides ample opportunity to apply the analytical and compositional perspectives covered in class.  Sight singing is the only performance skill that is directly tested by the AP Exam and students will be provided with tools and strategies with which to succeed in this area in the AP Music Theory course.

The Music Theory curriculum creates Introduction and AP courses that will are engaging and challenging to all Music Theory students.  The subject matter is dense and requires a good deal of consistent attention and practice, a percentage of which occurs outside of the class.  Students spend many evenings doing Music Theory homework when enrolled in these courses.

Over the course of the Introduction and AP Music Theory courses, homework will accomplish the following goals:

- reinforce concept learning

- provide students with opportunities to apply concepts, practice, and refine their musical skill

- create opportunities for reaction, reflection, problem solving, as well as creative risk-taking

- encourage students to improvise, compose, revise, and edit their own music

- provide the teacher with valid feedback of student comprehension and progress

Detailed syllabi for the current Introduction and Advanced Placement Music Theory courses at Neuqua Valley can be found below: