NORTH COUNTRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LIBERAL ARTS
MAY 2007
COURSE OUTLINE
MUS 103 I. COURSE NUMBER:
COURSE TITLE:
CREDIT HOURS:
Music Theory/Composition I
3
CONTACT HOURS:
PREREQUSITE:
45
N/A
II. Catalog Description:
A study of basic topics in music theory as it relates to composition and performance. The course covers basic arranging and composition techniques including the study of scales, keys and pitch, intervals, chords, harmonic progression, melody and modulation.
III. Course Objectives:
The objectives of this course are to provide the student with the knowledge and tools necessary to: a) Analyze given or original compositions b) Write all scales in all keys c) Harmonize given original melodic lines using the 4-way close technique d) Compose melody over given or original harmonic progressions e) Compose/arrange musical selections for small ensembles (SATB) pkus rhythmic section (Piano, bass, guitar, drums) f) Provide student with the foundation required to progress to subsequent levels of theoretical study
IV. Course Content:
1.
Introduction and review
-Staff
-Treble and Bass Clefs
-Bar lines, measures, time signatures/meters
-Dynamic markings
2. Scales
-Intervals
-Major
-Minor – natural, harmonic, melodic
-Whole Tone
-Chromatic
-Pentatonic
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-Augmented
-Diminished
-Minor 7, b5 (1/2 diminished)
3. Key Signatures
-Major
-Minor
4. Concepts of Harmony
-Chords
-Triads, 4 & 5 note voicings
-Major
-Minor
-7ths
-min 7 b5
-Tensions, suspensions and resolutions
-Augmented
-Diminished
-Diatonic chord progressions and analysis
5. Concepts of Melody
-Use of consonant and dissonant tones in linear and vertical relationships to
chords/harmony
-Embellishments
6. Chart Writing
-Mapping – form, Intro, repeats, 1 st & 2 nd
-Harmonizing melodies – 4 way close
-Notation/manuscript
ending, cods, fine
-Pitch Assignment
-Adding dynamic markings
-Essentials of composing/arranging for sections
V. Suggested Evaluation:
Midterm examination = 20% of final grade
Final Examination = 20% of final grade
Class Participation = 20% of final grade
Final project = 40% of final grade and will consist of the production of a 32 bar minimum chart in AABA form including an introduction, 1 st
and 2 nd
endings and a coda. The chart will be scored for 4 instruments (SATB) plus rhythmic section.
The project must include 4-way close harmonization.
VI.
GENERAL EDUCATION AND ASSESSMENT:
This is a general education course designated as “The Arts.” The overall goal of
NCCC’s general education program is to ensure that students receive an education of sufficient breadth and depth to enable them to be informed citizens and to succeed in their continued education, particularly transfers within SUNY, and in the workplace.
Thus each course will be assessed according to NCCC’s General Education
Assessment Plan, and assessment results will guide revision of curriculum and instructional methods. Results will not be used to evaluate individual faculty.
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All courses designated as “The Arts” general education courses will observe the following criteria:
A. Goal:
To develop in students knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behavior, ideas, and values expressed in works of art, literature, music, and philosophy that engender appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamental to the cultural health and survival of any society.
B . Learning Outcome (measurable subset of goal):
Understanding of at least one principal form of artistic expression and the creative process inherent therein.
C. Assessment Methods/Measures
All students in all sections will complete a final portfolio of their semester’s work, which will be evaluated with a departmental rubric. At the Department
Coordinator’s request, instructor may be asked to provide copies of student assignments for General Education Assessment.
VII. Textbooks:
-“Music Theory 1” (Berklee Press)
-“Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory” (Alfred Pub. Co.)
VIII.
Special Course Requirements
-Lecture hall w/piano
-Computer
-DVD/CD w/TV
-Blackboard
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