THEORY IV

Dr. James S. Hoch

MWF 9:00 - 9:50
T - Th 8:30 - 9:20

Office phone: 457-5253
Office Hour: posted on door

TEXTS:
Benward & Saker. Music: In Theory and Practice Vol. II .
                             Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill , 2003. 8th Ed.

Ottman, Robert.  Music for Sight Singing
                             Prentice-Hall.
 

SOFTWARE:
                notation program:   Print Music ---provided by WSU
                            Note:  students may also use their own copy of Finale if they own it.

                Ear Training: Auralia  (Mac or PC)

OBJECTIVES:
1. to continue to build theory skills
2. to learn Augmented sixths, Altered Dominants, Chromatic mediants
3. to increase one's aural skills including intervals, melodic dictation, rhythmic dictation, 4 part harmonic dictation, and error detection.
4. to compose works demonstrating an understanding of fugue, rondo, and a choral composition. (Portfolio material)
5. to analyze works in the Sonata Allegro design (Portfolio material)
6. to study late 19th century styles including impression, post-romaticism and the important new harmonic language i.e. modes, new scales, quartal harmony, planning, parallelism, etc.
7. to study the 20th century styles including 12 tone, primitivism, neoclassicism, atonality, the avant-garde, etc. and how composers have explored new methods and approaches to theory/comp.


1. COME TO CLASS!!
2. COME TO CLASS ON TIME!!!
3. TURN IN WORK WHEN SCHEDULED. All homework assignments must be turned in during class.  Late                 assignments will not be accepted (unless extremely extenuating circumstances).
4. Exams must be taken when scheduled. In the event you are unable to take an exam, the instructor must be                notified prior to the exam. (I have an answering machine in my office...see above).
5. All homework is to be done in pencil. The composition assignments are to be done on the computer using                Print Music or Finale.
6. All compositions must be uploaded to Class File on the server before the start of the class they are due.  For example, if your composition is due on a Monday your composition must be in the file before the start of class on the Monday so that I may download it in class so that we may hear it in class.  Failure to do so will result in loss of points.


1.  COME TO CLASS!!
2.  COME TO CLASS ON TIME!!!
3.  TURN BACK ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMS IN A TIMELY MANNER.
4.  Be available for extra help.  Please, please come and see me if you need  help!!!
5.  Provide stimulating classes that enrich your appreciation and understanding  of music theory.
6.  Help improve your computer skills as they relate to music.

GRADING:

Your final grade is broken down into two main areas:
 Written Theory - 60%
 Ear Training - 40%
Your final grade will be the result of points gathered. The grading rationale is based on the following:
Exams------------------ 25 %
homework--------------10 %
Projects-----------------25 % (fugue, choral comp, rondo, Sonata Allegro analysis)
Ear Training ------------40 %
Grades are based on a point basis.
I will have a point spread to display  at mid-semester and right before the final so that you have an idea how you stand with your grade.
Any changes in grade determination will be announced to the class in advance.
FINAL EXAM DATE: TUESDAY, May 3rd 8-10 am.

NOTE: You must pass the Written Theory portion with a C or better average  AND the Ear Training portion with a C or better.  Failure to receive a grade of C or better in either  area will result in a D or F and you can not take the next level of theory.  For example:  if your Ear Training grade is only say a 60% ...it will not pass you even though your combined Written and Ear may be good enugh to get you to a C.  You must pass both areas (Written & Ear Training) with a C average (70%).

POLICY ON LATE ASSIGNMENTS & EXAMS:
All due dates for homework assignments and compositions are firm. No extensions. The only excuses accepted for missing an exam are: death in family with note from the Dean, severe illness with a note from physician, or hospitalization. If you need any help with the material or clarification on assignments, etc., please see me during my office hour or contact me for an appointment. I will be glad to give you the extra time.


IMPORTANT!!!!
EAR TRAINING POINTS:
  • practice daily!!!! Plug it into your schedule...REMEMBER IT IS 40% OF YOUR GRADE. Use the software!!!!
  • it can be practiced!!!
  • do not neglect or take for granted.
  • do not skip class
  • make this a priority
  • it is probably the single most important foundation in your career...the ability to use your ear well.
  • homework: Auralia tests.  
  • Ear Training Transcription project.
    • Choose a song that you can transcribe the melody...roughly 16 measures.  It must be something that can not be found written out.
    I suggest some easy pop tune off the radio or a commercial jingle.  Turn in transcription on Print Music or Finale.
    You are to do two transcriptions.  Due dates: March 4 and  April 29th.

    ACKNOWLEGEMENT:

    Please E-MAIL ME THE FOLLOWING:

    I have read the syllabus and understand how my grade is dertermined.