Music Theory (OMT10) Course Tips

Are you a student of Music Theory (OMT10), looking for strategies to succeed? Are you considering taking OMT10? We interviewed the instructor of this course, and here’s his advice about success in OMT10, as well as general information about the course.

Course Overview

Music Theory studies the music theory of the common practice period. The music theory from this period forms the foundation not only of classical music, but also of much of the music we have today. There are two main focuses of this course: musicianship and the theory of harmony.

The instructor for this course is Mr. Elgasseir.

Course topics

OMT10 covers in one year what would typically be covered in two different year-long courses at most colleges.

The first part of this course focuses on musicianship. This includes:

• Ear training

• Being able to sing simple melodies on sight

• Basic chord progressions

• Hearing (and recognizing) intervals and chords

The second part of this course focuses on the theory of harmony, which is effectively studying the grammar of music. This includes:

• How to put chords together

• How to move from one chord to the next (which chords logically follow others)

This course will also seek to make connections between the theory students are learning and both classical and modern music.

Course format and workload

• Time in class will mostly be spent helping students to understand broad concepts, and students will dig into the specifics independently.

• Music theory has weekly homework assignments.

  • Homework assignments are graded on completion—it’s about improving and loving music. Moreover, the assignments are structured such that students will continue to work on them until they have mastered the relevant concept.

    • Students receive real-time feedback as they work and continue trying until they get it.

Students are estimated to spend around 2-4 hours per week completing work outside of class, but this is extremely dependent on the individual and particular topic. Some students will find certain topics easier, while others will find different topics easier.

Prerequisites

Students taking OMT10 really need prior experience with music, like playing an instrument. It can be especially helpful to have played the piano. Often, students of OMT10 are in eleventh and twelfth grades, but ninth and tenth graders may also take it if they have the necessary experience.

Available supports

• Your instructor is there to help you

  • Instructors hold office hours once or twice a week, where students can come to discuss course topics.

    • Note that you do not need to have a particular question to attend office hours—you can come to discuss a general topic, explore an idea you have, ask a specific question about homework, and much more! At office hours, anything goes, not just specific questions on assignments.

    • You are never inconveniencing your teacher by attending office hours—they want to talk to you.

    • If you find it hard or embarrassing to ask questions in class, office hours can be a great place to ask questions, when you can just talk to your instructor 1-on-1. It is very normal to feel hesitant about asking questions—you are not alone! However, since all the material builds on previous material, making sure you find a way to ask any questions you have is very important.

  • Instructors can also be reached by email. You might decide to email your teacher, for example, if you have a (relatively quick) question that needs to be answered before the next office hours.

Preparing for the AP Music Theory Exam

Music Theory (OMT10) teaches concepts relevant to those students wishing to take the AP Music Theory exam. However, the class is not limited only to these concepts, and really tries to teach students not just to pass an exam, but to be able to achieve their personal musical goals.

Students should be aware of the following with regard to the AP Music Theory exam if they wish to take it:

• The AP Music Theory exam is very difficult. As mentioned above, it covers content that would typically be covered in two separate year-long courses for a college music major. Of course, it’s possible to do well, but students should be aware of the difficulty.

• The AP Music Theory exam is timed. Students not only need to master the material, but to be able to complete problems quickly.

  • This is part of the nature of music—one must be able to play and read notes relatively quickly when playing music.

  • An example of this time limit might be that students should, for example, be able to study a simple melody for one minute and then sing it.

Projects

There is a final project in both semesters of OMT10. The instructor does his best to make these projects fun and interesting, trying to allow students to use the concepts they have learned in the course in the way that they want to. For example, students might be given the option for their final project a) to compose something, b) sing and play a piece that they did not compose, or c) do something more similar to the nature of the AP Music Theory exam.

Other tips for success

Music is a subject where you cannot procrastinate; it requires a steady commitment. It is highly important to do a little bit each day, making a plan every week for how you’re going to get this done. Commit to doing even just ten minutes a day—if you have more time, you can always put in more time, but making even this minimal commitment is essential for success. You can’t cram for a music theory course. All material builds off prior material, so it’s very important to deeply understand everything as you go along.

The instructor tries to be relatively lenient with late assignments. After all, it is about learning the material and having fun, in the end. However, this doesn’t mean that you can just put off assignments—doing a little bit every day is the only way to succeed and really come away with a deep understanding of the material that will allow you to apply it to your own musical interests.

Why take this course

OMT10 is meant to help students learn the music theory necessary to pursue their own musical interests. It can be especially good for singers, because much of singing is done by listening, and tying that back to the theory behind it all is important. Students will come away with skills that can be applied to whatever they are interested in doing with music. The instructor is highly passionate about both music theory and the process of teaching it and tries to make the course as fun as possible. Many people don’t find theory interesting, but with a passionate instructor and peers, it really can be enjoyable!