University of West Georgia
Music 1401—Aural Skills I
Syllabus
Dr. Dawn H. McCord
Class: TR 9:30-10:45
Classroom: Humanities 234
1 hr. credit
Office: Humanities 233
770-839-6266
CourseDen email preferred
dmccord@westga.edu
Fall 2014
Office Hours:
M 5:00-5:30
T
8-9:30
R
8-9:30, 1:30-5:30
F 2:30-5:00
Office hours will be revised after
applied lessons are scheduled.
Appointments are available at other
times
Course Description
Laboratory for development of music literacy, sight-singing diatonic melodies, executing
basic reading patterns, and training the ear to hear major and minor tonalities. Includes
orientation to technology laboratory. MUSC 1301 (Music Theory I) must be taken
concurrently.
Required Materials
Benward, B. & Carr, M. (2006). Sightsinging Complete, 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Benward, B. & Kolosick, J. T. (2009). Ear Training, 7th ed. New York: McGraw -Hill.
Manuscript paper [Print free online:
http://www.musictheory.org.uk/manuscript_paper.php
Objectives/Learning Outcomes
Each student will:
 Develop aural and dictation skills in rhythm, melody, harmony, cadence
identification, major & minor tonalities
 Sing and recognize intervals, triads, chords, scale, melodies, major & minor tonalities
 Develop skills in playing rhythm patterns
 Develop skills in reading multiple clefs
 Develop skills in error detection
Methods
The class will be taught by lecture, demonstration, discussion, student demonstration and
performance. Each student will demonstrate proficiency in performance, recognition and
dictation of scales, major/minor tonalities, intervals, rhythms, melodies, harmonies,
triads/chords.
UWG Common Language Syllabi Information
It is important that you review and understand the statements that are common to all
courses at UWG. These items address the Americans with Disabilities Act, UWG Email
Policy, Credit Hour Policy, and the University of West Georgia Honor Code.
These statements may be viewed at:
http://tinyurl.com/UWGSyllabusPolicies
Evaluation
Evaluation Categories
Written Tests (4)—50%
Grading Scale
90-100
80-89
70-79
A
B
C
Hearings (3)—50%
60-69
59 or below
D
F
Although no extra credit is given in this class, some student assignments will be assessed
for credit. Points awarded for this work will be applied to the total points earned in the
course.
Attendance
Attendance is critical. Understanding aural skills requires practice, interaction, and
participation. The final grade will be lowered 5 points per absence starting with 4
absences (for any reason). No more than 20 points will be subtracted from the final grade
due to absences. Tests, hearings and assignments will not be accepted late. Students
arriving more than 15 minutes late will be assessed a full absence.
Computer Assisted Instruction
There are two sources available to assist you in developing your aural skills. One is
provided by the textbook and can be accessed at http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/
music/benward7/site/ You should also use the Auralia program available in the Music
Lab to strengthen your music skills. This program is most helpful with interval
identification, chord quality identification, harmonic dictation, and rhythmic dictation.
You are required to use headphones in order to not disturb other students working in the
lab.
Individual Hearings
Appointments for hearings will be scheduled individually. Students late for their
appointment will not be allowed to complete their hearing. Each hearing will include
singing prepared melodies, sightreading melodies, sightreading rhythmic passages, and
appropriate activities assigned in class.
Calendar
The following is a tentative and flexible plan and will be amended as necessary. All
changes will be announced in class and/or CourseDen. [See current UWG Scoop for
official UWG semester schedule.]
MUSIC 1401
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Week
Month
1
August
2
September
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
…October
10
11
November
12
13
14
December
Final
Date
Topic & Assignments
26, 28 Ear Training–Unit 1; Sightsinging Complete-Unit 1
2, 4
Ear Training–Unit 1; Sightsinging Complete-Unit 1;
9. 11 Written Test 1 on 6th; Ear Training–Unit 2; Sightsinging
Complete-Unit 2
16, 18 Hearing I; Ear Training–Unit 1; Sightsinging CompleteUnit 1
23, 25
30, 2
7, 9
14, 16
21, 23
Sightsinging Complete-Unit 2
Written Test II
Ear Training –Unit 2; Hearing 2
Ear Training –Unit 2; Sightsinging Complete-Unit 2
Written Test III; Ear Training –Unit 2; Sightsinging
Complete-Unit 2
28, 30 Ear Training –Unit 3; Sightsinging Complete-Unit 3;
Hearing II
4, 6
Ear Training –Unit 3; Sightsinging Complete-Unit; [Nov.
6—GMTA Conference, no class]; Written Test III
7
Department trip to Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Tickets
sold by Collegiate Chapter of the National Association of
Music Educators; Friday, Nov. 7 (6:30 start time; 4:35
departure time)--Beethoven's Leonore Overture No. 2
and Brahms Symphony No. 1
11, 13 Ear Training –Unit 3
18, 20 Sightsinging Complete-Unit 3
24-28 Thanksgiving – No class
2, 4
Written Test IV; Ear Training and Sightsinging–Unit 4;
Sightsinging Complete-Unit 4
11
8:00 -10:30 am (Final/Hearing III will not be given
early)
Disclaimer
Instruction contained in this syllabus was, to the knowledge of the instructor, considered
correct and complete when distributed for use; however, this syllabus should not be
considered a contract between University of West Georgia and the student. The instructor
reserves the right to make changes in course content or instructional techniques without
notice or obligation.
MUSIC 1401
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