MUS 103(F) Basic Music Theory and Musicianship
Prepares the student for the study of common-practice harmony with a review of the fundamentals of music theory and an introduction of triadic harmony through figured bass realization at the keyboard, composition of harmonic progressions, harmonization of melodies, and extensive eartraining exercises. The first half of the course reviews the basic principles of pitch and rhythmic notation, key signatures, modes, scales and intervals and triads, as well as the fundamentals of triadic harmony. The remainder of the course emphasizes triadic progression through written assignments and figured bass realization at the keyboard including inversions and some altered chords. Sightsinging, sightreading, eartraining, and harmonic structural analysis are pursued concurrently with keyboard and written theory. Students are required to attend a weekly skills lab and to develop, outside of class, their vocal, aural, and keyboard competence through regular practice. Music software may be used for some written assignments as well as eartraining drill. The software will be available both on the network and in the Bernhard Music Technology Lab. Three lectures and one eartraining skills lab per week. Evaluation will be based on assignments, quizzes, and a final exam. All will have both written and aural components. Students with previous theory training or Advanced Placement credit may be permitted to go directly into 104; see department. Enrollment limited to 15 in each section.