Introduction to Music Theory Syllabus

Revision date: January 18, 2006

Music and Humanities Department

San Antonio College / 1300 San Pedro Ave. / San Antonio, TX 78212-4299

Course number and title: MUSI 1301. Introduction to Music Theory.

Credit Hours: 3 Hrs/wk lec.: 3 Hrs/wk lab: 0 Lec/Lab: 3

Office: McAllister Fine Arts Building, Room 105 Phone (210) 733-2731 Fax (210) 733-2985

Web Address: www.accd.edu/sac/music

I. Catalog Description

MUSI 1301. Introduction to Music Theory.

Prerequisite: None.

This course is designed for non-music majors and for majors with little or no previous formal training in music. MUSI 1301 explores the rudiments of music, notation, intervals, major scales, triads, and music vocabulary. Elementary ear training and keyboard or recorder work are included in the course.

II. Pre-requisites, co-requisites and other requirements

In order for the student to register for the next level of music theory (MUSI 1211 – Theory of Music I) in ensuing semesters, a grade of B or higher must be made in this course.

III. Text and other materials students are required to provide

A. Course materials for Introduction to Music Theory by Richard Parrigan (available only at the SAC bookstore).

B. No. 2 pencils and blank staff paper.

IV. Instruction will consist of:

A. Lecture and demonstration.

B. Class discussion.

C. Written exercises in and out of class; feedback and discussion.

D. Practical demonstration of materials studied will be performed on an instrument of the instructor's choosing, such as descant recorder, voice, or piano.

V. Course Content

This course covers the basic elements of notation and meter in Western music. These include major scales and key signatures, intervals, minor scales and key signatures, simple and compound meter, and triad construction.

VI. Learning Outcomes and Performance Objectives with their methods of measurement as used to determine the students’ mastery of those outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be competent in understanding the fundamentals of Western music theory, fluent in the recognition, analysis and writing of pitches and clefs, major and minor scales, and intervals and triads. They will also understand the basic components of simple and compound meter.

Performance Objectives:

By the end of the semester, students will be able to:

A. identify and notate any pitch from A0 to C8 by octave register.

B. write the enharmonic equivalent(s) of any pitch.

C. construct a major scale and key signature from any given tonic.

D. identify and write major, minor, diminished and augmented 2nds, 3rds, 6ths, and 7ths; perfect diminished, and augmented primes, 4ths, 5ths, and octaves.

E. invert and identify the inversion of any interval listed in letter "D".

F. construct a pure, harmonic, or melodic minor scale and appropriate key signature from any given tonic.

G. complete the circle of fifths.

H. identify and write the four triad types and construct the diatonic triads in any major key.

I. demonstrate an understanding of the materials of music by playing scales, rhythms, and intervals on an instrument of the instructor's choosing.

Methods of Measurement: Students will have achieved mastery of Learning Outcomes by at least 80% for the final grade in order to advance to MUSI 1211:

· Regular written work in the textbook, assessed by the instructor;

· In the classroom, discussion, Q & A, and group and individual participation supervised by the instructor;

· Regular quizzes and tests, assessed by the instructor and provided with a grade;

· A comprehensive (“capstone”) Final Exam, worth 15-20% of the students’ final grade.

VII. Course Requirements and Grade Computation

A. College Requirements

A written, comprehensive final examination, not to exceed two and one-half hours in length, shall be given at the end of each semester for each course at the regularly scheduled time. Any exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the appropriate dean. Other examinations are given at the discretion of the instructor.

A student who must be absent from a final examination should petition that instructor for permission to postpone the examination. A student absent without permission from a final examination is graded “F.” Postponed examinations result in a grade of “I.” The final exam must be taken within 120 calendar days from the end of the semester or the grade automatically becomes an “F.” (San Antonio College Bulletin, Faculty Handbook - January 1995)

B. Departmental Requirements

1) Recital Attendance

10% of the final grade will come from attending three (3) approved concerts and recitals during the semester. This requirement is waived during the summer sessions.

2) Retention Means Completing the Course

The faculty members of the Music/Humanities department are committed to your successful completion of our classes without lowering the college’s academic standards. As a department, we have set a goal to increase the number of students who finish our classes with a performance grade (A, B, C, or D). As faculty (and former college students), we have discussed the many pressures (work, financial, family) that our students must face. Certainly, some of these issues are beyond your control. However, there may be something that can be done that would make the difference in whether you complete the course. If we are made aware of circumstances that impact your participation in class, we can be of assistance. Although this syllabus is full of requirements and policies, we are not inflexible. Please do not stop coming to class or drop the class without first talking to the instructor. Dropping a course should be your last step. Be aware that dropping may impact your grade point average, financial aid, and health insurance policies (some require you to be a full time 12 hour student). As experienced instructors, there may be options that we can point out that have not occurred to you. We are here to help you, but you must be willing to help yourself. Do not wait until the end of the semester to ask for advice. Your success matters to your instructor and it is a top priority in the department.

C. Instructor Requirements

(Customized by each instructor – see Faculty web page, then select Course

Information)

VIII. College Policies

A. San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to access, employment programs or services.

B. Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab. Minors under the age of twelve (12) must not be left unattended on campus. College Academic Council - April, 1998

C. ADA Statement: “As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if accommodation is needed contact the Office of DisABILITY Support Services, CAC 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.

D. A Rapid Response Team exists for the purpose of responding to emergencies. If you have a disability that will require assistance in the event of a building evacuation, notify Disability Support Services, Chance Academic Center 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.

E. Academic Dishonesty: Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting

in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. For additional information refer to the “Student Code of Conduct” in the San Antonio College Bulletin.

F. Students are required to silence all electronic devices (e.g., pagers, cellular phones, etc.) when in classrooms, laboratories and the library. College Academic Council, 01/2000.

G. San Antonio College Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance at all classes and laboratories, day and/or evening, is required. A student absent for any reason is responsible for all work missed. Both tardiness and early departure from class are forms of absenteeism. The instructor establishes the policy with regard to each. Absences of each student are recorded without exception. The counting of absences begins on the first day of class. A student absent the equivalent of two weeks of instruction in a 16-week semester may be dropped by the instructor. If a student is dropped from a class for excessive absences, the instructor will record a grade of “W” (withdraw). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the withdrawals have been submitted.

H. San Antonio College is a smoke free campus.

I. ACCD DPS Emergency Phone Numbers:

ACCD DPS Emergency Phone (210) 222-0911

ACCD DPS General Phone (210) 208-8099

ACCD DPS Weather Phone (210) 208-8189 (for information on college closures)

J. Students must also abide by the policies, procedures, and rules set forth in the

“Student Code of Conduct” and all other policies set forth in the San Antonio College Bulletin. www.accd.edu/sac/sacmain/schedule/SAC_Bulletin_05-06.pdf