MUSIC 2101 - Theory, Materials and Techniques I

(LA-AS)

Spring. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: basic ability to read/write music and to sing or play an instrument, as evaluated by diagnostic exam (administered in first class meeting of semester), and/or instructor permission. Some students might also be advised to take MUSIC 1100 - Elements of Musical Notation concurrently. Intended for students planning to major or minor in music, and other qualified students.

R. Moseley.

Study of the foundations of tonal music as conceived and practiced throughout eighteenth-century Europe. The course combines modern pedagogical methods with the study of relevant historical sources and incorporates active learning at the keyboard. Topics to be covered include rudiments such as scales and triads; melodic and harmonic principles; voice-leading strategies and schemata; species counterpoint; improvisation, including embellishment and the realization of solfeggi and partimenti; rhythm, meter, and the embodiment of social gestures; affect and topoi. At section meetings, the concepts and skills introduced in lecture will be practiced at the keyboard as well as vocally. Topics to be covered in sections include the rudiments of musicianship (musical literacy, intervallic production and identification, rhythmic accuracy and fluency, etc.); sight singing; score reading; and improvisation.