COURSE: MUSIC THEORY I - MUS I11-002

TIME/PLACE: Fall 2009; 9:00-9:50 MWF; CA1080

INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Mike Waddell; e-mail - waddellm@uncw.edu

Office hours 11-12 TR or by appointment (CA2059; 962-3390)

TEXT (required): Tonal Harmony (6^th ed.)

Stefan Kostka & Dorothy Payne (McGraw-Hill) comes with two CDs

DESCRIPTION: This is the first semester theory course for music majors. Covered in this class are the rudiments of music (scales, key signatures, intervals and chords) in preparation for study of melody, rhythm, and harmony as found in the classic repertoire. This is presented through lecture with student participation, regular homework assignments (hard copy and computer), and various keyboard assignments.

OBJECTIVES: By semester’s end the student should be able to:

1. Identify and notate any major, minor (3 types), chromatic, whole-tone and pentatonic scale (major & minor)

2. Identify, notate, and invert simple intervals (diatonic & chromatic)

3. Transpose using various clefs

4. Demonstrate an understanding of phrase structure and cadence

5. Demonstrate an understanding of simple and compound meter and rhythmic syncopation.

6. Identify and construct (with Roman numerals & chord symbols) all triad types and seventh chords, based on the circle of fifths.

7. Perform basic functional harmonic analysis (Roman numerals & chord symbols).

8. Perform basic part-writing exercises

GRADING: Five tests (which include the final exam & an original composition) are given. Each count 20% of the final grade. The regular homework assignments, while not graded, are strongly encouraged. I will gladly check it for you.

* In this class, you learn by doing, not by merely observing.

The grading scale is a 10 point scale: 92-100=A; 90-91=A-; 88-89=B+; 82-88=B; 80-81=B-; 78-79=C+; 72-78=C; 70-71=C-; 68-69=D+; 62- 68=D; 60-61=D-; 0-59=F. Note: There is no extra credit offered.

POLICI ES: A notebook, and staff paper should always be brought to class.

Cell phones and pagers must be turned off during class.

Note: Laptops are not to be used in this class.

All tests must be taken in pencil.

No food or drink, please!

ATTENDANCE: Three absences only are allowed without penalty. Each unexcused absence thereafter deducts three points from the final grade.

An excused absence must satisfy the discretion of the instructor.

An excused illness, family emergency, or legal conflict requires documentation (doctor’s note, funeral bulletin, airline ticket, court notice)

Please check with a classmate for any notes you missed.

Promptness to class is expected. Door locks at 9:05.

Latecomers, please take the closest available desk to the door.

Making up an exam requires prior notice - instructor discretion only.

Test #1 Fri, Sept. 11

(chapters 1 & 2 - Rudiments!)

Test #2 Mon, Oct. 12

(chapter 3 - Introduction to Triads and Seventh Chords;

chapter 4 - Diatonic Chords in Major and Minor Keys)

Test #3 Wed, Oct. 28

Composition due and performed (instructions to follow)

Test #4 Fri, Nov. 13

(chapter 5 - Principles of Voice Leading

chapter 6 - Root Position Part-Writing)

Final Exam Fri, Dec. 4, 8-11

(chapter 7 - Harmonic Progression and the Sequence plus all of the above)

Dates to remember:

Mon, Sept. 7.……Labor Day

Mon, Oct. 5.…….Fall break

Thurs, Oct. 8.…...Last day to receive a W

W-F, Nov. 25/27..Thanksgiving holidays

Wed, Dec. 2….….Last class day