MUSC 174 Contemporary Harmony I. This course covers basic harmonic theory and common musical notation used in the music industry today. Topics include clefs, note recognition, key signatures, scales, intervals, triad and seventh chord construction, available tensions and basic harmonic functions. Upon successful completion of the course students will have a comprehensive and literate vocabulary of basic musical terms and symbols, and a working knowledge of basic harmonic functions.
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 | 30 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 2 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Identify and write intervals
- Identify and write triads and 7th chords
- Apply harmonic analysis to chord progressions
- Apply melodic analysis to melodies
- Identify and write diatonic modes
Teaching and Learning Approach
Contemporary Harmony I aims to develop the foundations of the language of music. Foundational concepts of
contemporary music theory are explained and applied to written music, with auditory musical examples used to
enhance understanding. These concepts are applied and used as communication tools in other classes and
throughout musical experiences at the College.Learning Resources
Required:
Harmony I, by Barrie Nettles
Study Supplement for Harmony I and II, by Barbara London,
Recommended:
Students should bring either a device or physical copies of manuscript paper, note paper, a writing utensil, and
folder or binder to carry any handouts provided.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Orientation
2. Review and Introduction to Intervals
3. Intervals
4. Transposition & Triads
5. th 7 chords
6. Inversions and Closed Voicings. Midterm Review
7. Midterm Exam
8. Diatonic Modes
9. Diatonic Modes
10. Non-Chord Tones
11. Scale Tendencies, Voice Leading and Open Position Voicings
12. Diatonic Reharmonization
13. Tune Project Due & Make-up Class
14. Review for Final Exam
15. Final ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Homework | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 20% |
| Quizzes | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 20% |
| Midterm Exam | 1, 2, 3 | 15% |
| Tune Project | 2, 3, 4 | 15% |
| Final Exam | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 20% |
| Participation | 1,2,3,4,5 | 10% |
| 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.