MUSC 175 Contemporary Harmony II

School of Arts and Technology

MUSC 175 Contemporary Harmony II. This course covers harmonic functions currently in use in all styles of popular music. Extensive use of recorded and written examples are used to show the harmony/melody relationships. Basic harmonic analysis as a tool is presented with an introduction to secondary dominant chords, extended dominant chords, modal interchange chords, and basic minor key and blues concepts. In addition, the application of melodic minor and harmonic minor are applied to these chords. Students are required to demonstrate through written projects, the current uses of these basic contemporary harmonic concepts.

Prerequisites: MUSC 174 with a minimum grade of 70%

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.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – YesBlock Transfer – Yesbctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours30
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture2

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Identify and compose using secondary dominant chords
  2. Identify and compose using modal interchange chords
  3. Identify and compose using melodic minor and harmonic minor and their modes
  4. Apply blues chord progressions
  5. Apply guide tones to common harmony
  6. Apply minor harmony concepts
  7. Apply harmonic analysis to chord progressions
  8. Apply melodic analysis to melodies
  9. Speak the language of musicians

Teaching and Learning Approach

The course is intended to aid the student in their learning the language of music. All basic descriptions of music theory are applied to written music. Musical examples are used to enhance learning. These concepts are applied to communication with all musicians for composition, improvisation, and general literacy.

Learning Resources

Required: Harmony II, by Barrie Nettles Study Supplement for Harmony I and II, by Barbara London https://learn.selkirk.ca/ Recommended: Students are expected to bring manuscript paper, note paper, pencil, eraser, and a three-ring binder to each class. Handouts will be provided and students will be required to keep an accurate record of topics discussed in the lesson.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Secondary Dominants 2. Harmonic Rhythm & Extended Dominants 3. Related ii-7 4. Voice Leading, Guide Tone Lines and Line Clichés 5. Minor Key Harmony 6. Midterm Review and Exam 7. Reading Week Break 8. Modal Interchange 9. Modal Interchange and Chord Tensions 10. The Blues 11. Melodic Construction & Development 12. Song Form & Melodic Relationships 13. Tune Project, Review & Makeup Class 14. Review for Final Exam 15. Final Exam

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Homework Applicationof course topics20%
Quizzes Demonstrationof understanding of course topics15%
Midterm Exam Demonstrationof understanding of course topics20%
Tune Project Applicationof course topics15%
Final Exam Demonstrationof understanding of course topics20%
Participation 1,2,3,4,510%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Contemporary Music and Technology Program Grading Table

PercentageLetter GradeGPA
97 - 100A+4.33
94 - 96.9A4.00
90 - 93.9A-3.67
87 - 89.9B+3.33
83 - 86.9B3.00
80 - 82.9B-2.67
77 - 79.9C+2.33
73 - 76.9C2.00
70 - 72.9C-1.67
60 - 69.9P1.00
Less than 60%F0.00
Did not withdrawDNW0.00

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.