MUSC 168 Rudiments of Music. This introductory course covers the rudiments of music theory, terms, rhythm, symbols, and music notation. Topics include beams, flags, barlines, rests, dynamics, articulation, road maps, and lead sheets.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 22.5 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 1.50 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Define basic musical terms
- Analyze and map musical form
- Create music notation with attention to established conventions for writing notes, rests, rhythms, flags, beams, stems, and repeats with adherence to the “invisible barline” principle
- Create “lead sheets”
Teaching and Learning Approach
Lectures and demonstrations, supported by in-class work and some homework, with the goal of providing
students with adequate time to practice the material relevant to the course outcomes.Learning Resources
Required text:
-Music Notation: Theory and Technique (Mark McGrain, Berklee Press)
(Other materials to be handed out in class)Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Notes and rests: How they look, their function, and best practices for how to draw them by hand; where they should sit in the staff, flag and stem rules; dots, ties, slurs, etc.
2. Notation Terms & Articulations: Slurs, ties, beams; introduction to the "invisible barline" principle; proper use and placement of accidentals.
3. Articulations and fundamental musical terms; use of repeats, and other elements of the musical "road map". Topics may include: -Staccato, tenuto, and accent markings -Slurs -Crescendo/decrescendo -Repeat signs, D.S./D.C., coda, fine, one and two bar repeats -Dynamic markings -Rhythm slashes
4. We will begin putting all the elements together. Students will look at examples of leadsheets/scores with musical terms and road map markers.
5. Review, plus introduction to MuseScore.
6. MIDTERM
7. Exam review, introduction to chord symbol notation
8. Rhythm section, part 1: Writing for bass
9. Rhythm section, part 2: writing for drums
10. Rhythm section, part 3: writing for guitar
11. Rhythm section, part 4: writing for keyboards
12. Lead Sheet Writing
13. Final quiz, review and preparation for final lead sheet project
14. Final project work day
15. Wrap-up, final project due.Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Weekly homework and in-class work | 1, 2, 3 | 30% |
| Midterm Exam | 1, 2, 3 | 30% |
| Class participation/effort | 1, 2, 3 | 10% |
| Final Project: Lead Sheet | 1, 2, 3, 4 | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Contemporary Music and Technology Program Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 97 - 100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 94 - 96.9 |
A |
4.00 |
| 90 - 93.9 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 87 - 89.9 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 83 - 86.9 |
B |
3.00 |
| 80 - 82.9 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 77 - 79.9 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 73 - 76.9 |
C |
2.00 |
| 70 - 72.9 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 60 - 69.9 |
P |
1.00 |
| Less than 60% |
F |
0.00 |
| Did not withdraw |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.