Music Theory I

Catalog description

Note: A basic understanding of the rules of tonal melody and chord construction is required. If remedial work is required, sign up for MUSC 1000 (Fundamentals). Harmony is the study of “simultaneous sounds (chords) and of how they may be joined with respect to their architectonic, melodic, and rhythmic values and their significance, their weight relative to one another.” Music Theory I is essentially the study of diatonic and secondary chord structures and progressions with written exercises and analysis of music from the common practice period. First, an emphasis will be placed on chord construction, four-part writing, and voice leading, building on the relationship between counterpoint and harmony and the fundamental harmonic rules of the common practice period. Furthermore, throughout the semester, basic elements of the form of tonal music will be addressed so that the students will be able to see how these fundamental principles function within the context of a piece of music. During the semester there will be in-class and homework harmonization and analysis assignments, quizzes, a midterm exam, and to end the semester a final take-home exam project. At the end of the semester you will hand in a 3-ring binder containing a portfolio of all of your work for the semester.