Bass Line: The Harmonic Composition Fundamentals Game Created by Ruth Paget
Objective:
Learn the vocabulary or jargon of harmonic composition fundamentals in Barron’s AP (Advanced Placement) Music Theory Test Preparation book.
Learning the vocabulary first makes learning the concepts and understanding the illustrations in the eighth and ninth chapters in Barron’s Music Theory easier.
Some junior colleges and colleges will award college credit for a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Music Theory examination. Having college credit awarded for one class saves tuition money.
Some high schools offer AP test preparation classes. Some businesses like Princeton Review or Kaplan can find tutors for the AP Music Theory examination.
Skills and Related Jobs:
Mastering AP Music Theory will allow you to read and write music.
Related jobs include composer, musician (if you practice), singer (if you practice), concert organizers, and music industry writer.
Materials Needed:
-Barron’s AP Music Theory Test Preparation Book
-index cards
-markers
-access to Google pronunciation
Number of Players:
1, 2, 4, or a group of single players for a society game
Method:
-Create flash cards with the vocabulary word on the front and the definition, symbol, and/or demonstration notes on the back. Look in AP Music Theory for this information.
-Learn the words two at a time.
-When you have learned ten words, test yourself of spelling and meaning.
-Continue to test yourself ten words at a time till you have learned all the words.
-Once you have learned the vocabulary words, read the eighth and ninth chapters two or three times to see if you understand the concepts.
-Finally, practice doing the exercises on separate sheets of paper first, so you can correct answers.
Play Bass Line till you learn the following words:
-Simple Part-Writing Rules
-Composition of a Bass Line and Realization of Roman Numeral Progression
-“The Real Map” Technique
-counterpoint
-contrapuntal
-crossed voices
-doubling chord members
-overlapping voices
-contrary motion
-similar motion
-parallel motion
-oblique motion
-part writing to the Roman Numerals
-Penultimate Measure
-Realization of Figured Bass
-Resolution Rules
-Spacing Between Voices
-Vocal Ranges
-conjunct
-disjunct
-static
Have fun learning the building blocks of music!
By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France
