Music Theory 1
Music Theory 130-01
Room D 214
TU/TH 2:30-3:50PM
Fall, 2015
Instructor: Mark R. Wells
Contact: Performing Arts Department
228 Davidson Building
269-965-3931 or
269-963-1911, ext. 2587
wellsm@kellogg.edu
Office Hours: To be arranged with Dr. Wells. Mondays and
Fridays work the best
Course Description and Goals:
Music Theory 1 is designed to familiarize you with the basic structure and function of
musical construction. Included in the course work will be: musical terminology, vocal and
instrumental musical concepts, notation, and the basics of diatonic harmonic and melodic
structure.
Course Objectives: The student will do the following:
Define technical terms and concepts (Meter, notation,
analysis, etc.)
Identify, write, and play all intervals within the expanded
octave.
Identify, write, play, and sing major and minor scales and
tonalities.
Identify, write, and play major and minor triads in all of its
inversions.
Identify, write, and play diminished and augmented
intervals and triads.
Identify, write, and play diatonic 7th chords in root position.
Understand and realize (+write) simple figured bass.
Identify and demonstrate proper voice-leading through
chord progressions.
Required Text and Materials: “Theory and analysis,”
by Clendinning/Marvin; accompanying workbook.
Schedule of Topics-Fall, 2015
Weeks 1 & 2-Chapters 1 (Building a Musical Vocabulary: Basic
elements of Pitch and Rhythm) and 2 (Beat, Meter and Rhythm: Simple
Meters).
Homework: Chapters 1 & 2.
Weeks 3 & 4-Chapters 3 (Pitch Collections, Scales, and Major keys)
and 4 (Minor Keys and the Diatonic Modes).
Homework: Chapters 3 & 4.
Weeks 5 & 6-Chapters 5 (Beat, Meter, & Rhythm) and 6 (Pitch
Intervals) and 6 (Pitch Intervals).
Homework: Chapters 5 & 6.
Weeks 7 & 8-Chapters 7 (Triads and Seventh Chords) and 8 (Intervals
in Action). Two-voice Compositions-Two-voice counterpoint and
four-voice chorales).
Homework: Chapters 7 & 8.
Weeks 9 & 10- Chapters 9 (Melodic and Rhythmic Embellishment in
Two-Voice Composition) and 10 (Notation and Scoring).
Homework: Chapters 9& 10.
Weeks 11 & 12-Chapters 11 (Voicing Chords in Multiple Parts) and
12 (The Basic Phrase Model).
Homework: Chapters 11 & 12.
Weeks 13 & 14-Chapters 13 (Embellishing Tones) and 14 (Chorale
Harmonizations and Figured Bass).
Homework: Chapters 13 & 14.
Weeks 15 & 16-Review.
Receiving Credit for recitals:
Students will receive credit for attending a minimum of FOUR KCC music
recital/concerts. It is important to remember that, for the purposes of Music 130
students will not be given credit for recitals in which they perform. The student
must give a copy of the concert program to the instructor NO LATER than one
week following the event. After the deadline, credit will not be given for the
recital concert.
Methods/Evaluation
Lectures, class participation, attendance in class, participation, and written work.
Grading System
A
AB+
B
B-
94-100
90-93
87-89
84-86
80-83
C+
77-79
C
CD+
D
D74-76
70-73
67-69
64-66
60-63
F
59 and
POINT ASSESSMENT:
Attendance
Homework
Concert/Recital Attendance 5%
Quizzes
Final
20%
25%
30%
20%
It is understood that students will be attending the classes for which they have
signed up (see policy below).
KCC General Policy Statements
1). Kellogg Community College Academic Integrity Statement:
The Kellogg Community College policy on Academic Integrity is spelled out in the student
handbook. If it is suspected that you are cheating, fabricating, facilitating academic
dishonesty, or plagiarizing, there may be serious consequences. The incident will be
documented and may be reported to the academic chair and/or program director for
possible disciplinary actions up to and including course, program, or college expulsion.
2). Kellogg Community College Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504
Statement:
Kellogg Community College does not discriminate in the admission or treatment of
students on the basis of disability. KCC is committed to compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Students with a documented disability are strongly encouraged to speak with the
instructor and with the professional staff at support services (ext. 2624). The college
offers many resources, but it is important to take advantage of them early. It is the
student’s responsibility to notify the College and instructors of your needs.
3). Instructor Syllabus Rights Statement:
Information contained in this syllabus was to the best knowledge of the instructor
considered correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the
semester. However, this syllabus should not be considered a contract with Kellogg
Community College and any student, nor between the instructor and any student. The
instructor reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures of Kellogg
Community College, to make changes in the course content or instructional techniques
without notice or obligation.
4). Student e-mail: YOU MUST HAVE A FUNCTIONING KCC E-MAIL ADDRESS!
All KCC students are provided with e-mail accounts through the college server. You will
be responsible for checking your KCC e-mail regularly and should be prepared to use KCC
e-mail as part of student-college interaction. For e-mail account information, check the
web at
www.kellogg.edu/email/geninfo
5). Cell Phone and Other Electronic Equipment Statement:
CELL PHONES AND PAGERS must be on mute during class. If you must take or return an
emergency call, please go out into the hall to do so.
6). Class conduct and Participation:
Class participation is encouraged. We will follow the College policies regarding Conduct.
I expect students to create an atmosphere of respect. Come prepared with an open
attitude that is professional and shows that you are ready to learn.
7. Food Statement:
Drinks and/or snacks may NOT be brought into the keyboard/computer lab. This rule
is strictly enforced.
8). Attendance policy:
Attendance is a graded component of this class. Missing five or more classes/labs will
result in a non-passing grade. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what
you missed from other students or the instructor. The instructor is under no obligation
to make up missed assignments or activities with you. In case of tardiness or early
departure, 1 point is deducted for each ten minutes.
9). Homework policy:
Assignments are due at the beginning of the class meeting for which they are assigned.
Late work will NOT be accepted. The assignments will be graded and returned at the
beginning of the following class meeting.
10). Withdrawal:
Check with the registrar’s office for the last day to withdraw and receive full refund. It is
the student’s responsibility to obtain this information. If you fail to withdraw from class
before the deadline, you will be held accountable for your end of the semester grade.
SUPPLIMENTAL MATERIALS: Music staff paper in a 3-ring binder. Pencils and a
KCC or other working e-mail account.
NB: THE SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. I WILL DO MY BEST TO REMAIN ON
SCHEDULE AS BEST AS POSSIBLE. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WORK ON ALL
ASSIGNMENTS WEEKLY. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO GET BEHIND IN
YOUR ASSIGNMENTS-I WILL BE PERIODICALLY CHECKING TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE
CURRENT IS THESE WORKBOOK ASSIGNMENTS. IT IS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT
YOU READ THE ASSIGNED CHAPTER(S) PRIOR TO THE CLASS DISCUSSION.
FINALLY, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO MAKE REGULAR APPOINTMENTS WITH ME TO
DISCUSS YOUR PROGRESS. I WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A MID-TERM
GRADE/ASSIGNMENT ASSESSMENT.