Music Theory Concepts and Musicianship

Theory and Concepts

• Read pitches using four clefs: Treble, Bass, Alto, and Tenor.
• Identify octaves with specific notations such as C4, E3, and A#6.
• Know all major and relative minor key signatures.
• Build scales using the WWHWWWH pattern for major and minor scales, including natural, melodic, and harmonic variations.
• Learn scale degrees and their names: Tonic (1), Supertonic (2), Mediant (3), Subdominant (4), Dominant (5), Submediant (6), and Leading Tone (7).
• Distinguish between simple and compound meter through score analysis and aural recognition.
• Read and write rhythms in both simple and compound meters.
• Familiarize with common tempo markings: allegro (fast), andante (moderately slow), adagio (slow), ritardando (gradually slowing down), accelerando (gradually speeding up).
• Recognize common articulations: staccato (short and detached), tenuto (held for full value), marcato (marked and stressed), and accent (emphasized note).

Musicianship and Ear-Training

• Identify whole steps and half steps in music intervals.
• Differentiate meters by ear, including simple (duple, triple) and compound.
• Recognize the quality of scales by ear: major, natural minor, melodic minor, and harmonic minor.
• Practice rhythmic dictation involving both simple and compound meters.

Sight Reading

• Sight read melodies in major keys using a chosen method (solfege, numbers, or neutral syllable "Ta").
• Tonic pitch will be provided to aid in practice, followed by 60 seconds of preparatory time.