In order to develop their full intellectual range, Upper School students study music theory and take classes in music performance. All students learn music theory in order to better understand their own practice and to prepare for the regularly scheduled Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations. This program, adopted by schools in over 80 countries, has employed graded examinations in music theory and practical musicianship since 1889. Students also perform in an ensemble, choir and musical productions while continuing to practice at least one instrument or their vocals.

9th Grade
During Upper School, students are expected to be proficient with a major instrument (or voice) and may add a second instrument (or voice). Classes cover music history with particular emphasis on the mature baroque period. The course integrates aural, sight-singing, written, composition and analytical skills in the development of the student’s approach. Building on this foundation, the course progresses to include composition of a bass line for a given melody and the realization of a Roman numeral progression. The class uses the ABRSM curriculum as the basis for theory instruction and for preparation for practical exams. Throughout their Upper School career, students are also expected to play an important role in the various instrumental and vocal performing ensembles and are given the opportunity to participate in musical and dramatic productions, concerts, master-classes and monthly recitals.

10th Grade
Classes cover the development of the symphony, sonata and opera during the classical period. The class uses the ABRSM curriculum as the basis for theory instruction and for preparation for practical exams. The course integrates aural, sight-singing, written, composition and analytical skills in the development of the student’s approach. Building on this foundation, the course progresses to include the realization of a figured bass as well as traditional harmonic techniques.

11th Grade
Classes cover music history particular to the romantic period. Students are required to read, compose, perform and listen per the requirements of the AP Music Theory Examination. The class uses the ABRSM curriculum as the basis for theory instruction and for preparation for practical exams. The course integrates aural, sight-singing, written, composition and analytical skills in the development of the student’s approach. The course progresses to include the analysis of repertoire including study of motivic treatment, examination of rhythmic and melodic interaction between individual voices of a composition and a harmonic analysis of functional tone passages.

12th Grade
Classes cover music history particular to the first half of the twentieth century. Students take the AP Music Theory Examination during this year. The class uses the ABRSM curriculum as the basis for theory instruction and for preparation for practical exams. The course integrates aural, sight-singing, written, composition and analytical skills in the development of the student’s approach. The course progresses to include twentieth century scales, choral structures and compositional procedures through analysis and original composition as well as an insight into contemporary music styles.