Reading #7

Transforming Music Study from its Foundations: A Manifesto for Progressive Change in the Undergraduate Preparation of Music Majors.

Report of the Task force on the Undergraduate Music Major

(Published by the College Music Society)

Read pp. 1-40, 57 -end.

NOTE: You will probably want to print this and use your highlighter!

What parts of the reading do you agree with? What parts do you disagree with?

If you could have designed the theory requirements for your undergraduate degree program, what would it look like? Consider: 1.) core classes 2.) required upper-division classes 3.) Elective upper-division classes. Keep in mind that there still needs to be room for your other required classes and that the degree should fit realistically into four years.

NOTE: It will be very helpful if you do this in outline form using a word processor, then paste it here with appropriate line breaks so it's easy to read.

Reading #6: AP Music Theory Exam Critique

Take one of the versions of the AP Released Exam, on reserve in the library, and post your score on the multiple choice section by class time on Monday, Nov. 10.
Instructions for taking the test and posting your score are found here.

Share your thoughts on the exam by commenting below. Your comments are due by class time on Wednesday, Nov. 12. (Your lesson Plan for Teaching Project #2 is also due at this time.)

• How long did it take you to complete the test? 
• What theory and ear training concepts does it assess? 

According to the AP system, high school students normally have a one-year course to prepare for this exam. Some colleges will then accept a successful AP score as credit for one or more semesters of theory.

• Do you think that a one-year high school course would offer sufficient time to prepare a student to be successful on this test? What kind of background would they need prior to beginning a high-school AP course?
• How much, if any, college credit should be awarded for a successful score? How many semesters of theory?