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Frequently asked questions:

What is Music Theory?

Music theory is often thought of simply as key signatures, scales, and chords.  Many students often find these things tedious and uninteresting.  However, music theorists break music down into many more elemental components including rhythm, metric organization, scales and pitch patterns, dynamics, melody, harmony, tonality, articulation, form and others in order to better understand the language of music.  The music theory curriculum is similar to a K-12 English Language curriculum.
Music contains pitch patterns which students must learn to aurally replicate and correctly notate, much like vocabulary words.  Music contains its own type of grammar, only one must match harmony with melody or rhythm with meter instead of subject with verb.  Instead of studying the structure of sonnet form, music theory would tackle the AABA song form or the 12-bar blues.  Instead of studying a novel in terms of its setting, character development, plot, rising action, climax, and denouement; music theory will look at a symphonic movement in terms of its exposition, development, retransition, recapitulation, and coda.  Simply studying music theory can’t tell us how a composer felt or what he or she was thinking about while writing a piece of music; however, understanding how composers/songwriters choose to have various musical elements interact with each other can greatly enhance our enjoyment of listening to music and perhaps even enhance our own musical creativity.

Can I take Music Theory and Music Theory AP?

Yes, you can.  It is not quite like other subjects where you can choose either English III, English III Honors, English III AP LANG, or English III IB.  As you can see by clicking on the course description link above, the prerequisite for Music Theory AP includes knowledge of music fundamentals.  Music Theory is a class that you can take your junior year to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in Music Theory AP your senior year.  So why aren’t the courses labeled Music Theory I and Music Theory II AP?  They used to be, but the belief persisted that a student must take Music Theory I before taking Music Theory II.  Many students have already developed the necessary knowledge of music fundamentals for Music Theory AP through piano lessons, band, choir, orchestra, or another source and do not need to take a preparatory year of Music Theory before studying the Advanced Placement curriculum.

Must I take Music Theory before I take Music Theory AP?

Not necessarily.  For a more detailed response, refer to the preceding question and answer.

Can I take Music Theory if I’m not in band, choir, or orchestra?

Yes, you can.  You do not have to participate in a school ensemble to study music theory.  If you are already a member of one or more of the school ensembles, it is highly recommended that you continue participation in those ensembles to enhance your experience in the music theory classroom (and allow music theory to enhance your experience in your ensemble[s]).

Do I need to take Music Theory to become a music major?

Each university has its own procedure for accepting students into their College of Music.  In many places, a student’s acceptance to a music program is determined primarily by the audition, even if a basic music theory exam is given.  However, all music majors study music theory once accepted to the program.  Music theory is one of the largest causes for freshmen to wash out of a music study program.  Preparatory music theory study in high school is very beneficial to anyone interested in continuing music study through college.

If you have any questions about Music Theory courses at Plano East call Brandon Pedigo @ 469-752-9240 or bpedigo@pisd.edu.