Allyn Phelps he/him/his

First of a four-course sequence presenting foundational concepts and skills in music education needed for an initial music teaching license in Massachusetts. This course introduces historical, philosophical, sociological, and practical foundations in school and community-based music education in the United States and internationally. Students will explore various constructions of effective teaching, examine music education practices through the lenses of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and begin the development of their professional teacher identities. Twenty hours of observation in school or community-based music education are required. 

Introduction to digital music notation software and music theory fundamentals. The course will include the setup and use of notation software and MIDI technology for the purposes of note entry and playback of scores. Elements of music fundamentals will be integrated into the course design to better prepare students for subsequent music theory and skills courses. The topics of music fundamentals (such as notation of pitch and rhythm, scales, intervals, triads, and Seventh Chords) and skills (solfege singing, rhythm performance, and conducting) will be introduced and reinforced through active music-making and the practice of digital notation. 

Introduction to digital music notation software and music theory fundamentals. The course will include the setup and use of notation software and MIDI technology for the purposes of note entry and playback of scores. Elements of music fundamentals will be integrated into the course design to better prepare students for subsequent music theory and skills courses. The topics of music fundamentals (such as notation of pitch and rhythm, scales, intervals, triads, and Seventh Chords) and skills (solfege singing, rhythm performance, and conducting) will be introduced and reinforced through active music-making and the practice of digital notation. 

Qualified students audition to play with the Fall River Symphony Orchestra or other orchestra with the consent of the instructor. The course provides opportunity for qualified students to perform standard and contemporary orchestral literature.

Qualified students audition to play with the Fall River Symphony Orchestra or other orchestra with the consent of the instructor. The course provides opportunity for qualified students to perform standard and contemporary orchestral literature.

Small performing organizations devoted to the music repertoire of all stylistic periods.

Upper levels are continuation courses requiring permission of the instructor Instruction in piano for the beginning student. No prior musical knowledge is necessary. An electronic piano laboratory will provide the setting for class instruction. Harmonic and melodic improvisation will be pursued as well as the study of keyboard skills and appropriate performance literature

Second of a four-course sequence presenting foundational concepts and skills in music theory, ear-training, and keyboard work.  Comprehensive musicianship II explores the construction, functionality, and analysis of diatonic harmony (especially the Dominant Seventh and Leading-Tone Seventh chords), cadences, nonchord tones, and melodic organization. Four-voice harmonic progressions and the principles of voice leading will also be introduced. A combination of written exercises, sight-singing, ear-training and keyboard work will be utilized enhance students' abilities to write, hear and perform music.