High School Music Theory and Composition

Music theory not only counts as a fine arts credit for homeschoolers, but it also improves your understanding of music. This course starts at a beginner's level, but learners at all stages of music are welcome and encouraged to join. During the first twelve weeks of the class, we cover important topics in music theory. The last four weeks are spent using what we have learned to compose a short song, which will serve as the final project for the course. Each week, I post a 10-20-minute video explaining the material for the week. Students are required to watch the video and complete a worksheet to go along with the video. Other assignments include but are not limited to participating in song scavenger hunts, posting on a discussion board, and replying to classmates' posts. Quizzes are due at the end of each week, and tests are assigned after weeks four, eight, and twelve. Students will receive a letter grade based on their performance on homework assignments, quizzes, tests, and the final project. This class replicates a public school music theory class, so students are expected to spend 1-3 hours each week on course videos and assignments. The information in this class builds on previous material, so it is important to stay on top of the lessons each week. Students will need access to a piano to keyboard in order to complete some of the assignments.
Course schedule:
Week One: Introduction and Learning Note Names (treble and bass clef)
Week Two: Rhythm in Music
Week Three: Key Signature
Week Four: Dynamics and Tempo
Week Five: Major Scales
Week Six: Minor Scales
Week Seven: Circle of Fifths
Week Eight: Intervals (major, minor, perfect, augmented, diminished)
Week Nine: Scale Degrees
Week Ten: Triads
Week Eleven: Chord Inversions
Week Twelve: Ear Training
Week Thirteen: Song Structure
Week Fourteen: Compose a Melody
Week Fifteen: Add an Accompaniment
Week Sixteen: Review and Finishing Touches
The course schedule is subject to change and is up to the teacher's discretion. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions about this course!