Music 141
Seattle Central Community College
Humanities/Social Sciences Division
Music Department
Music 141 (Music Theory I)
Spring Quarter 2015
Professor Brian Kirk M.A. Music
Office: Broadway Performance Hall Room 204. Hours : By appointment only
Website: http://seattlecentral.edu/faculty/bkirk/
Primary email
Brian.Kirk@seattlecolleges.edu
Assignment email
Canvas Learning Portal bkirksccc@yahoo.com
Music Theory 141
Syllabus
This course is intended to provide students with skills and information necessary for advanced study in music. This course is designed for all students including those with little or no previous knowledge as well as those with knowledge and skills in some areas but with deficiencies in others. The course teaches Music
Fundamentals. The approach used in the instruction of this course will provide students with 1) work in written concepts, terminology, and the nomenclature of music notation 2) exercises in music reading, sight-singing, and ear training to develop the “musical ear” 3) drills in rhythm using exercises that incorporate clapping rhythmic patterns and melodic singing.
All instrumentalist and vocalist will benefit from the knowledge of music fundamentals studied in this course.
Participation in computer classroom lab featuring music notation software, music theory web-based drills, and creative composition lab assignments is mandatory for this class, and points are tallied into the calculation of your grade.
Attendance to all class sessions is mandatory to be successful in this class.
Students with Exceptional Learning Abilities
If you need course adaptations or accommodations due to a disability, or if you have emergency medical information to share, or require special arrangements in case of emergency evacuation; please make an appointment to discuss your needs.
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Music 141
Course materials:
Text: Introductory Musicianship (8 th Edition)
Author: Lynn, Theodore A.
Cengage Learning
Music notation paper: (binder form or notation book 10 or 12 Staves) #2 pencil. http://linkwaregraphics.com/music/manuscript/
Assignments
500
Midterm
Exam
Grading Policy for Music 141
Quiz #1 Quiz #2 Final
Exam
200 50 50 200
Total
1000
Point Total
971 - 1000
941 - 970
911 - 940
881 - 910
851 - 880
821 - 850
791 - 820
761 -790
731 -760
701 -730
671 -700
641 - 670
Decimal Grade
3.9 – 4.0
3.7 – 3.8
3.5 – 3.6
3.3 – 3.4
3.1 – 3.2
2.9 – 3.0
2.7 – 2.8
2.5 – 2.6
2.3 – 2.4
2.1 – 2.2
1.9 – 2.0
1.7 – 1.8
611 - 640
600 - 610
571 - 599
499 - 570
1.5 – 1.6
1.3 – 1.4
1.1 – 1.2
1.0 – 0.0
Grading Policy Based on 1000 points
Assignment Point Totals
Textbook Worksheets
Computer Classroom Lab Work
Ear Training/ emusictheory.com
Total Points (3 categories per assignment)
25 points
10 points (Required 2 days per week)
15 points (all work must be completed)
50 points
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Music 141
Course Objectives:
Provide understanding of music fundamentals which will prepare the student for further experience in music as well as further study in music history, form and analysis, music education and performance.
Provide instruction in sight-reading and aural skills which will prepare the student for further experiences music performance and composition.
Provide instruction in basic keyboard/piano skills including knowledge in sight reading, scales, fingerings, and the understanding of the grand staff.
Provide instruction in computer composition and software notation skills which will prepare the student for further experiences in music as well as further study in music performance, composition and audio production.
Student Outcomes
The student will write clear, appropriate music manuscript.
The student will write melodies and explore creative composition.
Students will understand the piano keyboard arrangement through scales, simple melodies and intervals.
The student will have the ability to understand simple musical forms.
The student will be able to sight-sing beginning level diatonic musical examples using scale degree numbers, and to notate rhythms in various meters.
The student will learn the use of music notation software, and electronic music sequencing software to compose short pieces using the music fundamentals learned in this course.
Assessment:
Students will demonstrate their level of competence in understanding and mastery of these outcomes through their regular homework assignments, mastery quizzes, online music theory drills and exercises (of sight-singing and rhythm reading assignments) and examinations. Homework assignments are based on a completion grade policy.
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Music 141
Class Participation
Students are expected to be at every class session barring highly unusual conflicts or illness. It is not likely that you will successfully complete the work required unless you attend class regularly, including the lab sessions. If you must miss a class, or a lab session notify the instructor in advance by email or call the instructor’s office. It is the responsibility of the student to ask the instructor for assignments which were missed due to an absence. Excessive absence may result in lowering of the student’s grade.
Late Assignment Policy
Assignments must be submitted on or before the due date for full credit.
(Mondays)
Students who (due to absence on the due date) do not turn in assignments at the beginning of the class on the day it is due, can submit their work until the beginning of class the following day for half credit.
One day late = 50%
Note: If you have attended the class on the due date and did not finish the homework due to incomprehension of the material, you can turn in the homework for full credit the next day. You give notification that more time is needed.
Assignment email for the 2 Compositions –
Upload to the Canvas Portal Composition #1 and #2.
Required Work Outside of Class :
In addition to class time, the minimum amount of time required to complete the assignments in each of the following areas is:
WRITTEN WORKSHEETS
Ear Training Website
(emusictheory.com)
Teacher Code: 419 username, password
CANVAS (online testing) seatttlecentral.EDU – eLearning
5 HOURS WEEKLY
2 Hours Weekly
4 Quarter Hours (see examination schedule)
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Music 141
Week 1
Unit 1 Pages 1-18. (Essential Music Fundamentals)
Read and study all concepts in this chapter
Unit 2 (pages 29-36 – Week 1 Lecture material for rhythmic training)
Assignment #1
Lesson 1 - Due
Worksheets pgs. 19 -24.
1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6
Lesson 1 emusictheory.com
Week 2
Unit 2 Rhythms Page 37 – 46 (practice the rhythms)
Assignment #2
Worksheet page 25 – 28 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 1-10
Lesson 2 emusictheory.com assignments
Week 3
Quiz #1 (online) Date Points Possible
Chapter 1 50
Unit 3 - Scales, Keys and Modes (Pages 61 - 94)
Unit 2c: Rhythmic Studies Pages 38 – 42 (practice the rhythms)
Unit 2d: Melodic Exercises Pages 45-48 (Practice sight-singing)
Assignment #3
3-1 through 3-2 (pages 81- 82 worksheets for Major keys only)
Lesson 3 emusictheory.com
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Music 141
Week 4
Assignment #4
Pages 83-84 Worksheet 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6
FOR PRACTICE
Melodic Singing Exercises Unit 2e Pages 49-52
Lesson 4 emusictheory.com
Week 5
Minor Keys (Circle of fifths) Pages 67-74
Assignment #5
Worksheet 3-8, 3-9, 3-9, 3-10, 3-11
Pages 85-91 (There is no 3-7 worksheet)
Lesson 5 emusictheory.com
FOR PRACTICE
Melodic Singing (Minor Mode Examples) Page 78-79
Unit 5 Intermediate Rhythmic and Melodic Exercises
Page 119-122 (Practice the rhythms)
Practice pages 123 – 126 (3) Coordinated-Skill Exercises
Week 6
Assignment #6
Worksheets Pages 91 - 94 3-12, 3-13, 3-14, 3-15
Lesson 6 emusictheory.com
FOR PRACTICE
Melodic-Rhythmic Exercises – Pgs. 55 – 58
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Music 141
Week 7
Unit 4 Intervals Pg. 95-118
Assignment #7
Worksheet 4-1 through 4-5. Pages 107 – 112
FOR PRACTICE – Review previous drills
Week 8
Assignment #8 (Two Parts)
Part #1 – Worksheets Pages 113 - 114 – 4-6 and 4-7
Lesson 8 emusictheory.com
Rhythm Study FOR PRACTICE
Rhythms - NEW MATERIAL (7) Pages 127 – 131
(2/2, 3/2, 4/2 time signatures and The Triplet)
Part #2 of Assignment #8 – Original Composition #1
Option 1
Compose a music composition using Finale Notepad. You must use the Grand
Staff FOR PIANO.
The music should be at least 32 measures in length.
(Repeat signs are fine)
The scales that you have learned must be used as the basis for your melody.
On a separate sheet of paper (or email message attachment to the composition) describe the scale from which your melody is derived.
Note: Your piece must contain a melody for full assignment credit.

Music 141
Week 9
Intervals continued
Assignment #9
Worksheet 4-8 – 4-9 Pages – 115 -116
Complete Week 9 emusictheory.com assignments
Quiz #2 (online) Date Points Possible
Intervals
Scales
See Calendar 50
Week 10
Assignment #10
Part #1) Worksheet – 4-10 and 4-12 Pg. 117 - 118
Complete Week 10 emusictheory.com assignments
Part #2 Assignment 10 -MUSICAL COMPOSITION (Composition #2)
Option 1
Compose a music composition using Finale Notepad. You must use the Grand
Staff FOR PIANO.
The music should be at least 32 measures in length.
(Repeat signs are fine)
The scales that you have learned must be used as the basis for your melody.
On a separate sheet of paper (or email message attachment to the composition) describe the scale from which your melody is derived.
Note: Your piece must contain a melody for full assignment credit.
Option 2 (Composition # 2 only)
Students will create an original musical composition using Reason software.
Using the devices, effects and rack synthesizers that you have learned to use in this course, create your own song. (32 measures minimum)
Written analysis is required for all Reason Compositions and an instructional handout is provided for students.
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Music 141
In this course, Students have the right to an Instructor who will:
• assist students to learn the material presented in this course
• be organized, and share that organization with students
• establish realistic goals
• pay attention to students’ needs
• be aware of different learning styles
• attend and participate consistently
• maintain open lines of communication
• be a good resource for students
• share knowledge
• offer constructive criticism
• maintain an open mind
• treat the course and all its participants with dignity and respect
In this course, the Students are responsible for:
•
in order to learn the material presented in this course
• attending class consistently
• coming to class prepared to work
• completing all assigned readings and assignments on time
• submitting all assignments on time
• participating in all activities of the course
• seeking assistance when it’s needed
• maintaining open minds
• giving the course and all its work their best effort
• taking control of their own attitude, time, and performance
• participating in effective and useful groups
• treating the course and all its participants with dignity and respect
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April 6 Music 141
First day of Quarter
No ASSIGNMENT Due
14 15
ASSIGNMENT 1 - Due
20
ASSIGNMENT 2 - Due
21 22
MUS 141
Quiz #1
29 27
ASSIGNMENT 3- Due
28
6 4
ASSIGNMENT 4- Due
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ASSIGNMENT 5- Due
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18
ASSIGNMENT 6- Due
25
ASSIGNMENT 7 - Due
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June 1
ASSIGNMENT 8- Due composition #1 Due
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ASSIGNMENT 9 - Due
15
ASSIGNMENT 10
Composition #2 Due
End of coursework
Submission
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MIDTERM
EXAMINATION
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MUS 141
Quiz #2
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FINALS BEGIN
MUSIC 141 Final
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Finals
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Finals
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17
24
May 1

Music 141
WHY IS ATTENDANCE SO IMPORTANT?
We practice together everything that is taught in this class, EVERYDAY. Concepts such as rhythmic training, common music theoretical methodology, SCALES,
KEYS, KEY SIGNATURES, TONALITY, SIGHT-SINGING, RHYTHMIC
DICTATION, and MELODIC DICTATION must be practiced in REAL TIME, under PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS.
REASON #2
ATTENDANCE TO THE COMPUTER LAB =100 POINTS (ENTIRE
QUARTER) = 1/5 OF THE TOTAL ASSIGNMENT GRADE
 Articles
Scales are boring WRONG!!
You can get ahead of the music practice game by taking your scales seriously and realizing that they are far from boring. In fact there is a huge range of possibilities when you begin to think about it. Those that think scales are boring are on the track to slow progression. Realize the potential that scales have to improve your music practice and you will be in the fast lane. Not convinced? Here are 10 reasons why scales should be an integral part of your practice diet.
1. Timing - to play together with other people you need to have good time, good internal time.
One of the best ways to develop this is to practice scales. Slowly at first, with a metronome if needed until you are placing each and every note exactly where it needs to be, not too soon or too late - just right.
2. Intonation - for most instruments (piano aside) there is a need to make sure we are playing in tune. This does not end when you have tuned a single note or string on your instrument - that only tells you that note is in tune. Scales are a great way to check the tuning of each and every note. The distance between each should be just right. Careful listening is very important here.
3. Co-ordination - during music practice we have lots of things to remember and the really difficult thing is to remember to do them all at the same time (breathe, sit up straight, bend those fingers, 4th finger, etc.) Scales give you an opportunity to focus on bringing all of those elements together. Once you have learned the notes of a scale you can make sure that everything else happens just at the right moment to make the scale sound perfect.
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Music 141
4. Dexterity - one part of learning an instrument involves training parts of the body to do new things, to repeat them and then do them very quickly. Scales are a great training partner. They will help you refine and improve your speed. Slow careful practice of scales at the outset will have you whizzing up and down in no time.
5. Muscle Memory - this is a really big benefit of practicing scales. When you have practiced a scale for a while you will begin to 'just get it' and the scale will flow naturally from your instrument. What you have done is to begin to develop muscular memory. This is a very useful thing to have. When you see this scale again or indeed a similar one you will be able to rely partially on this muscle memory to help you play the scale. This also applies to snippets of scales, of which there are a lot in music.
6. Ears - if you can't hear what is wrong you can't correct it. This is true of all of your music practice. Learn to listen very, very carefully when you practice your scales and you will start to hear areas where you can improve your other playing; pay attention to tuning, articulation, tone quality, consistency etc. Imagine what a perfect scale would sound like in every way and try to make each of your scales sound like that.
7. Sight Reading - if you can translate the notes you see on the page quickly into sounds on your instrument you can develop good sight reading. If those notes form patterns that you are familiar with then you will be able to do this even quicker. Knowing your scales will give your sight reading a boost as you will frequently come across patterns and groups of notes with which your are familiar.
8. Theory - key signatures, chords, modulations, modes and many other areas of music theory are much easier to understand if you know your scales.
9. Exams & Auditions - most musicians do these at some point and they invariably involve scales. If you already practice scales regularly you will have a head start on those that don't.
You'll also ease the workload in the long run up to the event.
10. Building Blocks of all music - If you hadn't realized it, scales are the things from which most music is made. Just look at the pieces you are currently learning and you will see scales or parts of scales all over it. Their importance cannot be underestimated, be good at scales and you are likely to be good at your instrument.
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