This course is the first of a four part study of traditional western Music Theory. In general, in the first two years, students are introduced to the basic technical materials of their art. They learn to read in the various clefs; they acquire the ability to identify by ear the specific rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic events occurring in music of relative simplicity; they master the fundamental concepts of harmony and counterpoint; and they become acquainted with principles of musical form.   More advanced work undertaken in the third and fourth years; reading and hearing more complex music, including orchestral scores; and writing and doing keyboard work in a variety of styles. The classes in analysis, rather than merely labeling chords or identifying thematic groups and sections, help the student to hear and understand musical works as unified wholes in which each detail must be related to its immediate and to a larger context.

By the conclusion of Music Theory I, students will have the basis to construct and identify intervals, major and minor scales (including natural, harmonic and melodic minor),  triads and seventh chords and basic metrical and rhythmic contexts.   As well, students will be able to construct traids in a 4 part SATB setting and understand the basic concepts of traditional voice leading and basic functional (syntactic) harmony within that setting.

It is strongly suggested that all students enrolled in Music Theory I enter the class with a working knowledge of treble or bass clef and basic concepts of meter and rhythm. If a student feels they would like to review the fundamentals of music theory or engage in some remedial study, they may go to https://tonesavvy.com/  and https://www.musictheory.net  Both sites offer excellent resources for self study.