MUSI 1211:  Theory I
Syllabus


Course Objectives

* To provide students with the basic rudiments of music theory with emphases on part-writing and melody harmonization.

* To acquaint students with the harmonic and melodic patterns used by composers of the common practice period, in order to understand the principles of functional harmony in a four-part vocal setting.

* To provide part-writing and melody writing exercises.


Required Text

    Music in Theory and Practice, Vol. 1, 7th edition, by Benward; Wm. Brown, publisher


Course Outline

Week One        Introduction and Basic Notation Principles
                Clefs:  Treble, Bass, Alto, Tenor
                The Grand Staff
                All note names and alteration symbols

Week Two        Scales and Tonality
                Major scales
                Minor scales

Week Three        Keys and Modes
                Key signatures
                Naming and identifying the modes
Week Four        Intervals
                Size and quality of intervals
                Inversion of intervals
                Compound intervals

Week Five        Transposition
                Principles
                Process

Week Six        Chords
                In major
                In minor

Week Seven        Cadences
                Types of cadences
                Uses of cadences

Week Eight        Non-harmonic Tones
                Identification of non-harmonic tones
                Uses of non-harmonic tones
            Mid-term Exam

Week Nine        Melodic Organization
                Structure of melody
                Implied harmony

Week Ten        Texture
                Understanding texture
                Textural reduction

Week Eleven        Voice Leading in Two Voices
                Contrapuntal techniques

Week Twelve        Voice Leading in Two Voices, continued

Week Thirteen        Voice Leading in Four Voices
                Harmonic considerations
                Cadences

Week Fourteen    Voice Leading in Four Voices
                Figured Bass

Week Fifteen        Voice Leading and Part-Writing
                Student exercises

Week Sixteen        Review and Final Exam
           
Grading

            Homework and Exercises            20%
            Preparation and Participation            20%
            Mid-term Exam                20%
            Chapter tests and Projects            20%
            Final Exam                    20%