Music Appreciation with Introductory Music Theory for Grades 9-12 (1:00)

Course: Music Appreciation with Introductory Music Theory for Grades 9-12
Instructor: Jessica Smith
Email: pauljessandemma@yahoo.com
Price: $225
Class Description: “Use every chance you get of hearing music (I do not mean only tones, though these are very nice), and ask whose music has been played, and, by degrees, you will find out that one composer has one sort of thing to say to you; and another speaks other things; these messages of the musicians cannot be put into words, so there is no way of hearing them if we do not train our ear to listen.” (Charlotte Mason)
 
In this course we will endeavor to discover the voices of composers throughout history and experience the beauty of music from various genres through listening experiences and living literature. A variety of musical styles will be encountered (classical, opera, folk, musical theater, jazz, religious, etc.), and investigations of composers and performers integral to the styles will be included in the class. A study of the basic elements and terminology of music will be interwoven throughout the year to facilitate the student’s understanding of musical structure and expression. Required activities will include listening, reading, discussions, projects/presentations, as well as mid-term and final exams. Students who play an instrument, write music, or sing will be encouraged to share their talents with the class.
Curriculum: Instructor developed
Homework Requirements: Students will be expected to spend 2.5 – 3 hours outside of class on listening, reading, and writing/project-based assignments.
Duration: 28 weeks
Books and Supplies required for purchase by families: There is no textbook for this course. A list of required living books (biographies, novels, other non-fiction resources) will be provided prior to the beginning of classes. Students will also need access to an online music streaming resource (YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, etc . . .).
Grading: A recommended letter grade will be provided by the tutor at the end of the course.
Teacher Bio: Jessica is a Wake Forest University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, former public school teacher, former private school reading specialist, and private piano teacher. Jessica’s love of history and music has continued to grow since beginning her family’s home education journey. She is also passionate about books, learning new things, the arts, and natural healthcare. Jessica has been homeschooling her six children for 9 years and graduated her oldest child, now a freshman in college pursuing a degree in vocal performance, in spring 2022.