Taking Music Theory

By Bryce Cox

Music theory is a semester long elective taught by Mr. Rioux, who also teachers choir. The class is open to all grade levels, freshman through senior. It is a relatively small class and allows for much individual time for explainations and other aspects of learning.

Music theory isn’t just for music students, and is open to students of all level of music knowledge. Music theory covers basics such as note names and reading ledger lines, as well as note lengths such as quarter notes and eigth notes.

It also covers more complex aspects of music such as time signature and composition. The final project of the class is a composition project following the basic rules of composition. Using the intervals learned in the first two weeks as well as chords and their inversions.

It is a fairly simple course and doesn’t take up a lot of time in regards to the amount of classwork and homework involved.

The class involves use of the school’s new electronic music lab, utilizing the pianos and composition programs on the computers.

I would recommend music theory for anyone interested in music, regardless of type. Learning the logic behind music, such a rhythms, tonality, key signature, and intervals provides a greater insight and understanding to everyday music.