MUSC& 241 - Music Theory IV

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
The study of music logic, music theory, is intended to complement the musical intuition most vocalists and instrumentalists already have. Music is a complex and highly organized art, whether it is a Mozart concerto or a jazz improvisation. While providing a rational knowledge of music through the study of singing, a study of music theory interacts with the musician’s intuition, bringing a deeper understanding and appreciation of music. All students will learn to apply their knowledge to the keyboard in a basic though useful way.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in MUSC& 143 or instructor permission.
Course Outcomes:

Describe concepts of consonance and dissonance in late Renaissance polyphony.
Describe and demonstrate compositional techniques of counterpoint in 18th century two-part inventions.
Identify aurally and analyze the exposition of a four-voice fugue.
Compose the exposition of a four-voice fugue.
Define, aurally identify, and analyze music in regards to chromatic harmonies of borrowed chords, Neapolitan 6th chords and augmented 6th chords.
Compose basic four-part SATB exercises employing borrowed chords, Neapolitan 6th chords, and augmented 6th chords.

Course Topics:

The Renaissance and Baroque periods:
- Late Renaissance polyphony.
- Two-voice 18th-century counterpoint.
- Fugue.
Chromatic harmony:
- Borrowed chords.
- Neapolitan 6th chords.
- Augmented 6th chords.

Course Attribute(s): Humanities