FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC COURSE SYLLABUS
MUSI 1301
CRN 68682
3 HOURS CREDIT
Spring 2012
Location: Tests: FAC 229 Class Meeting Times: 5:30 – 8:30 Tuesdays (piano lab 216)
Instructor: Hope Shiver
Office: FAC 222
Conference Period - By appointment only
Phone: (713) 718-6600 (This is a shared phone number with other faculty)
E-mail: hope.shiver@hccs.edu
REQUIRED TEXT: Music First! by Gary C. White
OBJECTIVES:
To provide students a solid background in the fundamentals of music theory: foundations
of music reading, analysis and writing as well as signs and terminology. The class serves as
a preparation for music theory, class piano and personal enrichment.
GRADING:

Final grade is based on:
1. Daily mini-quizzes, class attendance and participation 5%
2. Five (5) chapter tests, plus final 70%
3. Attendance to 3 musical performances (Proof= Program and short write-up)
25%
4. Extra Credit Opportunities– Offered by instructor
Grading scale: 90-100= A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 60-69=D; 0-59=F
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
 According to HCC regulations, a student may be dropped from any HCC course if he or
she misses more than 12.5% of class time. For this class, after 2 consecutive absences, a
student may be dropped and receive a grade of “W”. If a student stops coming to class, it
is the student’s responsibility to drop before the HCC official drop date. If this is not
done, the student will receive an “FX” as the grade for this course.

The grade of “I” is reserved for emergencies only in the last week of class. This grade is
given out only at the request of a student with a valid emergency during the last week of
class.
COURSE DESIGN

This course is designed to teach the basics of reading musical notes, rhythms, scales, and
the analysis of chords. It will be taught through a process of lecture and inclusive lab
environment.
MAKE-UPS: Since the lowest grade other than the final (which must be taken) is dropped, there
are no make-up exams.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS COURSE SYLLABUS
PAGE 1

Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to
report to Room 102 SJAC, or call 713 718-6164 to make necessary arrangements.
Faculty is only authorized to provide accommodations requested by the Disability
Support Services Office.

The Fine Arts Department at Central College strongly recommends that all HCCS
students carry some form of medical insurance to cover illness and injury, both on and off
campus. Information regarding low-cost health insurance for students is available in the
Fine Arts office. Under Texas State statute, HCCS is immune to liability in the event of
accident or injury.

Houston Community College defines “scholastic dishonesty” as: cheating on a test,
plagiarism and collusion. Penalties for academic dishonesty at HCCS include, but are not
limited to, “0” on the test or assignment in question. “W” in the course, or “F” in the
course.

This course meets the basic intellectual competencies for core courses including reading,
writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking and computer literacy.

Academic advisement concerning specific Fine Arts courses and degree plans for Music
is available to Central College students during the academic semesters. Please sign up in
the Fine Arts office, FAC 101, to speak to a full time instructor in your area of interest.

It is against college policy to bring children to class. This policy will be strictly enforced
by the Fine Arts Department.

Guests and observers tend to be a distraction to class. Please do not bring guests to
class.

For a calendar of events at HCC go to - ArtsLine – www.centralfinearts.info

Three peats - Students who repeat a course for a third time or more may soon face
significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities.
Please ask your instructor/counselor about opportunities for tutoring, other assistance
prior to considering course withdrawal or if you are not receiving passing grades.
Materials/Supplies Needed: Piano Keyboard access (practice rooms at HCCS are available)
Flash cards (3 X 5), manuscript paper (photo copy from text book), small keyboard for home
use. (Feel free to buy a cheap keyboard in toy section at Wal-Mart or any toy store for about
$15.00.)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Additional drill work may be found on-line. musictheory.net
and musictheory.com
CELL PHONES/PAGERS: NO TEXTING! NO CELL PHONES! NO PAGERS!
MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS COURSE SYLLABUS
PAGE 2