Classes
Theory, History, Appreciation
The Understanding of Music
Semesters: 1
Credits: 1/2
Grade Placement: 11, or 12
Graduation Requirement: Elective. Applies towards the fine arts graduation requirement.
Course Sequence: None
Other Prerequisites: None
Student and Staff Organization:
Conventional. Group and individualized instruction and assessment including both supervised and private practice.
Course Overview:
This course is designed for students with little or no music performance experience. Activities and instruction will explore the nature of music and major musical style periods. Students will be able to (1) listen to, analyze, and use a music vocabulary, discuss music of a wide variety of styles and periods including modern music; (2) understand the elements of music including melody, rhythm, harmony, form, and texture; and (3) analyze and evaluate new musical listening experiences based on critical listening skills. The course, if combined with one semester of Electronic Music, Music Technology, or Beginning Guitar (with their added emphasis on music notation and performance), will provide the student with a broad fundamental basis for further music study and/or the ability to make music an understood and appreciated part of life.
Piano One
Semesters: 1
Credits: 1/2
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, or 12
Graduation Requirement: Elective. Applies towards the fine arts graduation requirement.
Course Sequence: None
Other Prerequisites: No previous piano/keyboard experience.
Student and Staff Organization:
Conventional. Group and individualized instruction and assessment including both supervised and private practice. Laboratory environment with individualized learning stations.
Course Overview:
Using the most advanced technology available (including keyboard synthesizers and computers) the student will develop an understanding of and appreciation for the elements of music including pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre and form. The first semester of the course will include an introduction to piano keyboard skills, music notation, theory. This class is for the student with no previous piano/keyboard experience.
Music Seminar
Semesters: 1
Credits: 1/2
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, or 12
Graduation Requirement: Elective. Applies towards the fine arts graduation requirement.
Course Sequence: None
Other Prerequisites: No previous piano/keyboard experience.
Student and Staff Organization:
Conventional. Group and individualized instruction and assessment including both supervised and private practice. Laboratory environment with individualized learning stations.
Course Overview:
Using the most advanced technology available (including keyboard synthesizers and computers) the student will develop an understanding of and appreciation for the elements of music including pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre and form. The first semester of the course will include an introduction to piano keyboard skills, music notation, theory. This class is for the student with no previous piano/keyboard experience.
Music Technology One
Semesters: 1
Credits: 1/2
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, or 12
Graduation Requirement: Elective. Applies towards the fine arts graduation requirement.
Course Sequence: Piano One
Other Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Student and Staff Organization:
Conventional. Group and individualized instruction and assessment including both supervised and private practice. Laboratory environment with individualized learning stations.
Course Overview:
This course offers students the opportunity to explore their original musical ideas in an environment rich in computer and music technology resources. Students will learn how to use the computer to interface with state of the art electronic musical instruments. They will be able to access thousands of sounds ranging from ancient flutes and lutes, to traditional pianos and horns, to contemporary guitars and drums, to exotic sitars and tablas, and on to futuristic synthesizers and sound effects. Whether creating original approaches to existing music or composing brand new music, students will learn and apply critical skills in planning, problem solving, and decision making. Working independently or in collaborative teams, they will learn to use the computer as a creative partner accessing its power to bring their imagination to life.
Music Technology Two
Semesters: 1
Credits: 1/2
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, or 12
Graduation Requirement: Elective. Applies towards the fine arts graduation requirement.
Course Sequence: Open to students who have successfully completed Music Technology One with a grade of B- or better.
Other Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Student and Staff Organization:
Conventional. Group and individualized instruction and assessment including both supervised and private practice. Laboratory environment with individualized learning stations.
Course Overview:
This course is a continuation of Music Technology 1 and is designed to give students a higher level of instruction in the world of MIDI technology and its applications in the current musical fields. Students will endeavor to produce work on a more professional level. Working independently or in collaborative teams, they will continue to use the computer as a creative partner accessing its power to bring their musical imagination to life.
Music Technology Three
Semesters: 1
Credits: 1/2
Grade Placement: 10, 11, or 12
Graduation Requirement: Elective. Applies towards the fine arts graduation requirement.
Course Sequence: Open to students who have successfully completed Music Technology One and Music Technology Two with a grade of B or better.
Other Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Student and Staff Organization:
Conventional. Group and individualized instruction and assessment including both supervised and private practice. Laboratory environment with individualized learning stations.
Course Overview:
Music Technology Three is a continuation of Music Technology One and Two with an emphasis on independent projects. Students enrolled in Music Technology Three will compose and arrange music for classroom use as well as possible use with other disciplines (i.e., Art, Business, Dance). Students will learn sound sampling and the art of placing sounds of their environment into artistic endeavors. Weekly listening of computer-generated music will assist in bridging current musical knowledge with new state of the art techniques. Advanced students will have the opportunity to combine music technology and video during the semester.
