Department or Program: Music

Course Number: 120

Number of Credits 3

Course Title: Introduction to Music Theory

Catalog Description:

An introduction to the structure and notation of music found in past and current composition. Offered yearly.

This is an existing course that has previously been approved by A2C2: Yes

Department Contact Person for this Course: Don Lovejoy

Email: dlovejoy@winona.edu

USP Outcome a: explore the language, skills, and materials of an artistic discipline.

In this course the students explore the language, skills, and materials of music through studying rhythmic and pitch notation and melodic and harmonic structures. Students have the opportunity to hear examples of the concepts studied from music literature through demonstration on the piano and recorded excerpts.

USP Outcome b: use the methods of an arts practitioner to actively engage in creative processes or interpretive performances.

In "Introduction to Music Theory," students are actively engaged in creative processes by composing simple musical examples and notating them for performance.

USP Outcome c: understand the cultural and gender contexts of artistic expression.

Students in this course learn about the history of musical notation, the development of keyboard instruments, and the development of harmonic theory. This material is discussed within its cultural, historical, and gender contexts.

USP Outcome d: engage in reflective analysis of their own artwork or interpretive performance and respond to the works of others.

Students will hear their compositions performed in class and will write critiques on their own and their classmates creative products.

Syllabus

Music 120 3 Credits Spring 2001

MWF 10:00 - 10:50 PAC 159

Dr. Donald G. Lovejoy

PAC 239

(507) 452-5257

dlovejoy@winona.edu

Office hours: posted weekly

Catalog Descriprion: An introduction to the structure and notation of =

music

found in past and current compositions. Offered yearly.

This course is eligible for University Studies Course credit under:

B. Arts and Science Core,

4. Fine and Performing Arts

Course Objective: Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student

will be able to understand and use the written notation of music and to

associate that notation with the sounds it describes. In addition, the

student will be capable of composing simple musical examples and notating

them for performance. Class learning activities fulfill the requirements =

for

the University Studies Program Fine and Performing Arts category by

promoting students abilities to:

a. explore the language, skills, and materials of an artistic discipline,

b. use the methods of an arts practitioner to actively engage

in creative processes or interprative performances,

c. understand the cultural and gender contexts of artistic expression,

d. engage in reflective analysis of their own art work, or interpretive =

performance and respond to the work of others.

Course Outline:

a. study the historical development of rhythmic notation.

b. study the historical development of pitch notation.

c. study the development of harmonic practices.

d. study the development of musical instruments and their effect on

notational practices.

e. relate musical notation to instrumental and vocal performance

practices.

f. create simple compositions using modern notation.

g. analyze and crique class compositions.

Course Requirements: The student will complete all assignments (including

drills) from the text and be able to discuss the written language of =

music.

Students will use the language of music to create simple musical

compositions. Computer use is a required element of this course.

Attendance Policy: Attendance is expected at all class sessions (there are

no unexcused absences). The material for this course is cumulative and

consistent attendance is essential. Tardiness and absences will play a =

role

in grading.

Grading Policy: Grading for this course will be determined by the =

following:

Attendance 10%

Completion of drills 20%

Worksheets 20%

Quizzes 20%

Exams (mid-term / final) 30%

Required Textbook: Nelson, Robert and Carl J. Christensen; Foundations of

Music, Fourth Edition, Belmont,CA, Wadsworth, 2000.