Marshwood High School Music

Beginning Piano is designed for students who have no prior piano experience or music training. The course focuses on the development of basic skills for playing the piano, including study of the keyboard, basic terminology, musical notation, scales, rhythms, and simple transposition. As a concluding project, students present a recital for the families.

Music Appreciation serves as an
introduction to the history, literature, and theory of music for the
non-musician.Composers, historical
eras, musical forms, instruments, and styles are included in the course.Listening to music will be a focus, and attendance
at live performances may be required.The course is designed to give students a broader understanding and
respect for music.Music students may
take the course as a stepping stone to more advanced courses such as Music
Theory, but it is not a prerequisite.Music Appreciation may be combined with Art Fundamentals to fulfill the
entire fine arts requirement.

Music Theory I is designed for anyone interested in furthering their knowledge of music reading and writing.Fundamentals of music theory such as note names, key signatures, scales, triads, two-part composition, etc. will be examined.Development of aural skills and sight-singing will be stressed.Students may also learn several music software programs. The benefits are many to this course, especially to students interested in pursuing music after high school.

This course is a continuation of Music Theory I. Students will study more advanced topics in music theory, composition, and ear training, as well as analysis, orchestration, and arranging. Music composition and theory software learned in Music Theory I will be used at a more advanced level, and new technologies will be introduced. Students considering a college major or minor in music should take this course.