guided independent study

580:010 Introduction to Music Theory
Course Details        Return to course list         Enrollment information

Course credit

2 credit hours

Course description

Basic skills and vocabulary. Designed for non-music majors with limited background in music fundamentals or as preparation for music major theory courses. Emphasis on notation, key/time signatures, rhythm, and aural training.

Delivery

print This course is available in a print-based format. Mail completed assignments to the GIS Office. We will forward them to the instructor for grading.

Prerequisites

none

Instructor

Lathon Jernigan, Professor

Evaluation

9 assignments, 2 exams

Overview

This course will be concerned with learning the rudiments of musical notation (writing) and visualization (responding to written symbols). Upon completion of this course the student will be well prepared for an entry level theory program in any college or university.

Music is a temporal art which is made up of organized sound for an expressive purpose. If one wishes to become musically literate, i.e., to have insight into the structure and meaning of music from the standpoint of a composer, a listener, or a performer, one must develop a basic vocabulary. This vocabulary consists of terms, elements, and devices which, in their interrelationships, work together to create musical structure. A vocabulary, of course, is but a first step toward musical literacy (musicianship). One must also understand the musical styles of past epochs, be able to combine such understanding with a comprehensive vocabulary, and have a personal involvement with music to be truly literate.

Assignments

This course will cover seven basic parts of musical literacy.

  • Part I Semitones and Whole Tones, and the Major Scale
  • Part II Rhythm, Meter and Basic Notation
  • Part III Intervals
  • Part IV Key Signatures, and the Minor Scale
  • Part V Triads in Root Position
  • Part VI Triads in Inversion, and Seventh Chords
  • Part VII Introduction to Four-Part Writing
Please read the lesson objectives and instructor's comments before attempting the corresponding section of your text. When you move to the text keep referring to the objectives and comments; there will be differing viewpoints expressed with which you should be familiar, and will be held responsible. After completing the text section you should be ready to prepare the given assignment.

Grading

Grading is based on an average of all completed assignments, concert reports and exams. The approximate percentage breakdown is as follows:

  • Assignments & Reports: 50%
  • Midterm Exam: 25%
  • Final Exam: 25%

Textbook(s)

Clough, John, and Conley, Joyce, and Boge, Claire. Scales, Intervals, Keys, Triads, Rhythm, and Meter, Third Edition, W.W. Norton & Co., Inc., New York, 1999.

Texts are available from the vendor of your choice or
University Book and Supply
1009 West 23rd Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 319-266-7581 or 800-728-7581
Fax: 319-277-1266
E-mail: bookstore@panthersupply.com

To enroll

ONLINE
GIS enrollment information

IN PERSON
UNI Continuing Education
2637 Hudson Road (corner of 27th St. and Hudson Rd.)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0223
Campus map (Look for Building 31)

For more information

Cindy Klodt, Guided Independent Study
UNI Continuing Education
319-273-2123 or 800-772-1746
ContinuingEd@uni.edu