MUS 103(F) Music Theory and Musicianship I
Music 103 and 104 are designed for potential majors and for students with strong instrumental or vocal backgrounds. Although there is no prerequisite for Music 103, students are expected to have some knowledge of musical rudiments, reading proficiency in at least one clef, and ideally have some comfort reading both bass and treble clefs. A short diagnostic exam will be administered at the first class meeting of Music 103 to assess students' skills and background, and determine if a student requires any additional remedial work to complement and fortify course work during the early weeks of the semester. Students with a strong background in music theory may take a placement exam during First Days to see whether they can pass out of one or both semesters. Music 103 and 104 are required for the music major.
Music 103 presents the materials, structures and procedures of tonal music, with an emphasis on the harmonic and contrapuntal practice of the baroque and classical periods (ca. 1650-1825).
Music 103 explores triadic harmony, voice leading, and counterpoint with an emphasis on the chorale style of J.S. Bach and his predecessors. Keyboard harmony and figured bass exercises, sight singing, dictation, analysis of repertoire, written exercises and emulation projects will develop both an intellectual and an aural understanding of music of the period. Projects include the harmonization of chorale melodies, the arrangement of classical period minuets and the composition of a dice game minuet.
Format: lecture two days a week; a conference meeting one day a week; ear training/musicianship skills lab meeting twice a week. Evaluation will be based on weekly written work, written and keyboard quizzes, and midyear and final projects. Must be taken as a graded course.
Enrollment limit: 15 lecture (expected: 30-32). Preference to most competent on day-one diagnostic exam.
Hour: E. GOLLIN (lectures); E. GOLLIN, BODNER and LAWRENCE (conference/labs)