Music Theory in High School
Issues and Answers
Bill Phillips - Plano Senior
High School
Nancy Scoggin - Joshua School
District
Blaise Ferrandino -
(moderator) AP Music Theory Consultant for Southwest Region
This discussion of the Theory
Instruction in High School will focus on: curricular issues; content; space and
scheduling logistics associated with instructional choices; AP music theory,
the vertical teams initiative, and considerations associated with college
preparation and placement.
When available, the high school music theory/literacy experience is extremely important. In this environment the student receives such training from a trusted mentor who, in many cases, becomes the major influence upon career choice. The teachers in these positions are usually charged with other duties besides the teaching of music theory. In many cases, they are ensemble directors. In any case, the student knows this person as a musician and not 'just a theory teacher'.
In recent years AP Music Theory has increased in importance throughout the nation. In the last 5 years the number of exams given nationwide has increased twofold (approximately 3,500 to 7,000). Most of the students who take the test go on to major or minor in music. What AP has provided is a standard of excellence agreed to by respected high school and college instructors. Regardless of an institution's stance on whether and/or how to accept the scores, the student who has been through a curriculum constructed with AP in mind is better prepared for the college classroom.
Today's panel features four
very successful high school music theory teachers. Their respective job responsibilities, apart from
music theory include: choir
director, keyboard and jazz instructor, instrumental lesson instructor, and
even stagecraft. Each has taught
theory at different levels and is responsible, in some way, for the overall theory
curriculum in use at their school.