Introduction to Music Theory

Course Description

Intensive study of topics relevant to a wide range of musical traditions, including musical parameters (pitch, duration, timbre, loudness, texture), tuning systems, basic acoustics, notation types, and instrument families. Prerequisite: Music major or music minor; Corequisite: MUS 100.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Explain the physical and perceptual aspects of various musical parameters, such as pitch and rhythm.

  • Apply different analytical tools to evaluate musical sounds and assess the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches.

  • Utilize different physical and digital tools to aid in the analysis and creation of musical sounds.

  • Create original compositions that integrate common musical patterns in stylistically appropriate ways.

Course Grading Information:

Activity

Percentage

Assignments

30%

Quizzes

30%

Final Project

20%

Engagement

10%

Self-Reflections

10%

Grading Scale

Percentage

Letter Grade

94% – 100%

A

90% – 93%

A-

87% – 89%

B+

84% – 86%

B

80% – 83%

B-

77% – 79%

C+

74% – 76%

C

70% – 73%

C-

68% – 69%

D+

66% – 67%

D

65%

D-

< 65%

F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance and Participation are graded components of this course. General attendance is worth 4% of the final grade, with a 1% deduction applied to each unexcused absence beyond the four penalty-free unexcused absences that all students are granted at the beginning of the term. Participation is worth 6% of the final grade, with 4% completed through scheduled activities throughout the term and 2% completed through unscheduled activities throughout the term.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.