Undergraduate Theory Sequence
For B.M. candidates, the music theory program is a three-year requirement for all students. Entrance into Theory I presumes a firm knowledge of rhythm, meter, scales, intervals, keys, triads, four-note chords and inversions, as demonstrated on a placement test. Entering students who are not strong in this area are encouraged to review their preparatory work during the months prior to the beginning of the Freshman year. Those who are not able to show mastery in these areas will be placed into Theory 1 (Intensive) which begins with a review of the rudiments of music. Students continue in the Intensive track through their third semester. Ear-training and sight-singing classes are coordinated with the music theory sections during the first two years of study.
The First Year
FALL | SPRING | |
Eartraining | 710.123-124 Ear-Training, Rhythmic Studies, and Sight-Singing A basic course in the skills of reading and hearing music, employing Dalcroze techniques for the development of musicianship. To be taken in conjunction with Music Theory 1. (2-2)
| |
Keyboard | 710.155-156 Keyboard Studies: Non-piano majors* ———————— or —————————— 710.157-158 Keyboard Studies: Piano majors * | |
Music Theory | 710 • 111 Music Theory 1: Diatonic voice leading This course includes study of melody, figured bass, diatonic and chromatic harmony, and analysis and composition of short homophonic and polyphonic pieces.
| 710 • 112 Music Theory 2: Diatonic and chromatic voice leading; Introduction to form and counterpoint Continuation of techniques learned in Theory 1 and a study of counterpoint in two and three voices. Students study simple binary, rounded binary, and ternary forms.
|
* Students who do not perform successfully on the SACRE placement test must take Music Theory 1 (Intensive) (710.109) and Music Theory 2 (Intensive) (710.110) | ||
Music Theory Department Policy stipulates that all courses must be completed with a grade of C- to advance.
The Second Year
FALL | SPRING | |
Eartraining | 710.223-224 Ear-Training, Rhythmic Studies, and Sight-Singing A continuation of the first-year course, with heavy emphasis on Bach chorales and 20th-century techniques. (2-2)
| |
Keyboard | 710.255-256 Keyboard Studies: Non-piano majors ———————— or —————————— 530.211-212 Keyboard Skills for Piano Majors I-II | |
Music Theory | 710 • 211 Music Theory 3: Baroque counterpoint | 710 • 212 Music Theory 4: Studies of Classic and Romantic Styles This course centers on music from Viennese Classicism to the mid-19th century, drawing examples from a variety of genres and formal designs. Topics range from aspects of motive, harmony, line, and counterpoint to their uses in large-scale architectural design, with particular attention to sonata forms and principles.
|
Music Theory Department Policy stipulates that all courses must be completed with a grade of C- to advance.
The Third Year
FALL | SPRING | |
Eartraining | 710 • 323 Ear-Training: Contemporary Music Studies After a short review of highly chromatic late 19th- and early 20th-century music, classes will focus on atonal music, beginning with the late works of Liszt and Wolf and continuing into the music of today. This course is open to undergraduates who have successfully completed both semesters of 710 • 223-224. This course is a fall-only offering. (2,0)
| |
Keyboard | No classes required for non-majors. ———————— or —————————— 530.311-312 Keyboard Skills for Piano Majors III-IV | |
Music Theory | 710 • 311 Music Theory 5: Late Romantic and 20th-Century musical practices A study of the formal, contrapuntal, and harmonic techniques of the late-19th through 21st centuries. A wide variety of styles and techniques are covered, through listening, analysis, and writing.
| 710 • 312 Music Theory 6: Elective Students take one of several specially designated electives. |
Students who successfully complete Music Theory 6 may take graduate Music Theory seminars with the permission of the professor.
