Topics in Music Theory I: Advanced Aural Skills

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Identify the scale-degree function of any diatonic or chromatic pitch class in a tonal context.

• Distinguish between different types of chromaticism, including melodic embellishment, tonicization, mixture, and modulation to closely and distantly related keys.

• Distinguish between different types of changing meter.

• Execute selected cross rhythms using two hands.

• Use solfège syllables to decode (from notation) and perform modulating melodies.

• Use rhythm syllables to decode (from notation) and perform rhythms that change meters in various ways.

• Use Arabic numbers to encode and perform rhythms independent of a metric context.

• Carry out modulations to distant-related keys using memorized scale-degree patterns.

• Transcribe melodies that employ different types of chromaticism, including melodic embellishment, tonicization, mixture, and modulation to closely and distantly related keys.

• Transcribe harmonic progressions that incorporate secondary dominants, mixture, augmented 6ths, and modulations to closely and distantly related keys.

• Identify (by sound) the quality of all five common 7th chords.

• Identify (in notation & by sound) and perform whole-tone and octatonic scales.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Attendance	10%
Analysis/annotation	10%
Concept quizzes (limited retakes available)	10%
Practice (completion-based) assignments	15%
Standards	15%
Performance assignments & quizzes	20%
Dictation assignments & quizzes	20%

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–
67–69	D+
64–66	D
60–63	D–
0–59	F

Attendance/Participation:

Attending all of each and every class period will earn you a 100% for the attendance component, worth 10% of your semester grade. You are permitted two (2) unexcused absences without penalty. After that point, deductions to your attendance grade will apply up to a maximum permitted seven (7) absences. Eight (8) or more absences will result in instructor-initiated withdrawal from the course.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

A subscription to Auralia cloud software, which costs $25 for six months. Go to auralia.cloud to purchase; scroll to “Auralia Cloud Student,” then choose a 12-month or 6-month subscription. Use your UNCG email address to sign up. The school code and PIN will be communicated in class and via Canvas.

A paper notebook and pencil (or tablet and stylus) for taking notes, completing dictations in class, etc.

Paper or electronic music manuscript paper. Links to a couple electronic options will be posted on Canvas.