Music 200
Styles I: Elements of Music
McCain 201, MWF, 9:30 AM
Dr. K. Tod Kerstetter (McCain 007, 532-3831, tkerstet@ksu.edu)
Required materials:
Kostka/Payne: Tonal Harmony (text and workbook)
Ottman: Music for Sight Singing
EarMaster software for aural skills training, available in KSU computer labs
Styles Program Objectives
All undergraduate music majors at KSU take the Styles courses. Faculty members have designed them to
coordinate the many facets of the student’s musical training. This program removes the traditional division between
history and theory, and integrates the student’s study by stylistic periods. Each course contains lectures in theory and
history, as well as lab work in performance, conducting, orchestration, analysis and creative writing.
Styles courses are governed by the philosophy that (1) all musicians need practical skills in performance,
composition and analysis; (2) the music student should recognize a coherent link among all facets of one’s
training—including courses outside of music—encouraging him or her to be exposed to the widest possible range of
opportunities; and (3) all musical studies should, as closely as possible, relate to one’s own time.
Course Objectives
Ear Training and Sight Singing: (1) all simple intervals (octave or smaller); (2) scales: major and three forms of
minor; (3) simple rhythmic dictation; (4) sing simple melodies; (5) simple melodic dictation
Written Skills: (1) basic notation and calligraphy: all clefs, all major and minor key signatures, time signatures and
rhythmic notation, triads, seventh chords, alignment; (2) basic analytical notation: Roman numerals, figured bass,
pop (guitar) symbols; (3) basic materials covered: triads and seventh chords, all simple intervals
Course Requirements
You must attend class and participate in class discussion. Tardiness is unacceptable. Your Handbook is needed
every class meeting. You will have assigned homework that I expect you to do on your own, 2 aural interval and 3
sight singing exams, and 3 written exams (including the final exam). In addition, you will have two timed written
exams on (1) key signatures, and (2) interval identification. You must pass the key signature test with a grade of
20/20 and the written interval identification test with a grade of at least 28/30 in order to pass the course. You
will receive an “F” for the course if you do not successfully pass both of these exams. These tests will be given
three times, with the third (last chance) test to be given the last day of class.
If you know in advance that you will be absent (funeral, school trip, etc.), you may turn in an assignment
before you leave. Only a signed note from a doctor will be allowed for excused absences and late assignments
resulting from illness. You must always call me or see me about any absences. Roll will be taken every day.
Excessive (more than 3) absences may result in the semester grade being lowered by a full letter. Also,
participation in the Styles Recital at the end of the semester is mandatory.
Please notice that by KSU Music Department policy, a grade of C or above in Styles I is required to enter
Styles II.
Grading:
3 written exams (including final exam) — 50% (15% + 15% + 20% final)
3 sight singing exams — 15%
2 aural intervals exams — 10%
Homework grades — 25%
Successful passing of key signature and written interval test required to pass course (see above)
KSU Statement of Academic Honesty: Undergraduate students, by registration, acknowledge the jurisdiction of
the Undergraduate Honor System. The policies and procedures of the Undergraduate Honor System apply to all full
and part-time students enrolled in undergraduate course on-campus, off-campus, and via distance learning. A
prominent part of the Honor System is the inclusion of the Honor Pledge that applies to all assignments,
examinations, or other course work undertaken by undergraduate students. The Honor Pledge is implied, whether or
not it is stated: “On my honor, as a student, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic
work.”
(Please check the website http://www.ksu.edu/honor for further information.)
Statement of Accommodation: If you have any condition, such as a physical or learning disability, which will
make it difficult for you to carry out the work as outlined, or which will require academic accommodations, please
notify the instructor during the first two weeks of the course.