Music Theory
Sampler Lesson
NOTE: A resource that goes along with this curriculum is a podcast called Music Student 101, but if not using the resource, you can skip anything that mentions it.
Music Student 101: Foundations of Collegiate Musicianship
A College Preparatory Curriculum for High School Musicians
Volume I
Music Student 101: Foundations of Collegiate Musicianship
A College Preparatory Curriculum for High School Musicians
Inspired by the educational topics explored in the Music Student 101 podcast and expanded into a comprehensive year-long curriculum in music theory, musicianship, history, ear training, performance, and professional preparation.
Designed for Grades 11–12 (Honors/Dual Enrollment Level)
Length: 36 Weeks
Credit Recommendation: 1.0 High School Fine Arts Credit (Honors)
Estimated Weekly Commitment: 6–8 Hours
Copyright Page© 2026
All instructional content in this curriculum is original. References to the Music Student 101 podcast are provided as optional educational resources and are not reproduced within this text.
Dedication To every student who has ever wondered if they were "good enough."
To every parent who has driven to rehearsals, recitals, competitions, auditions, and concerts.
To every teacher who has patiently explained one more scale, one more rhythm, and one more musical phrase.
Most of all, to the musicians who understand that excellence is never an accident—it is the result of faithfulness in the practice room, humility in learning, and joy in making music.
Table of Contents
Part I – Becoming a College Musician
Chapter 1 – What Is a Musician?
Chapter 2 – The Science of Practice
Chapter 3 – Building Professional Habits
Chapter 4 – Goal Setting and Time Management
Unit I Examination
Part II – Music Theory Foundations
Rhythm
Meter
Notation
Scales
Intervals
Modes
Keys
Part III – Harmony and Ear Training
Triads
Seventh Chords
Cadences
Roman Numeral Analysis
Sight Singing
Dictation
Part IV – Music Through History
Ancient Music
Medieval
Renaissance
Baroque
Classical
Romantic
Twentieth Century
Modern Worship and Popular Music
Part V – Performance
Tone
Technique
Expression
Memorization
Stage Presence
Performance Anxiety
Mock Jury
Part VI – Professional Musicianship
Teaching
Conducting
Composition
Arranging
Recording
Music Technology
College Auditions
Career Planning
Senior Portfolio
A College Preparatory Curriculum for High School Musicians
Volume I
Music Student 101: Foundations of Collegiate Musicianship
A College Preparatory Curriculum for High School Musicians
Inspired by the educational topics explored in the Music Student 101 podcast and expanded into a comprehensive year-long curriculum in music theory, musicianship, history, ear training, performance, and professional preparation.
Designed for Grades 11–12 (Honors/Dual Enrollment Level)
Length: 36 Weeks
Credit Recommendation: 1.0 High School Fine Arts Credit (Honors)
Estimated Weekly Commitment: 6–8 Hours
Copyright Page© 2026
All instructional content in this curriculum is original. References to the Music Student 101 podcast are provided as optional educational resources and are not reproduced within this text.
Dedication To every student who has ever wondered if they were "good enough."
To every parent who has driven to rehearsals, recitals, competitions, auditions, and concerts.
To every teacher who has patiently explained one more scale, one more rhythm, and one more musical phrase.
Most of all, to the musicians who understand that excellence is never an accident—it is the result of faithfulness in the practice room, humility in learning, and joy in making music.
Table of Contents
Part I – Becoming a College Musician
Chapter 1 – What Is a Musician?
Chapter 2 – The Science of Practice
Chapter 3 – Building Professional Habits
Chapter 4 – Goal Setting and Time Management
Unit I Examination
Part II – Music Theory Foundations
Rhythm
Meter
Notation
Scales
Intervals
Modes
Keys
Part III – Harmony and Ear Training
Triads
Seventh Chords
Cadences
Roman Numeral Analysis
Sight Singing
Dictation
Part IV – Music Through History
Ancient Music
Medieval
Renaissance
Baroque
Classical
Romantic
Twentieth Century
Modern Worship and Popular Music
Part V – Performance
Tone
Technique
Expression
Memorization
Stage Presence
Performance Anxiety
Mock Jury
Part VI – Professional Musicianship
Teaching
Conducting
Composition
Arranging
Recording
Music Technology
College Auditions
Career Planning
Senior Portfolio