MUSC 1303: Theory and Practice of Music 1
Effective date
January 2020
Description
Theory and Practice of Music 1 is the first of a four-course sequence that introduces music students to music theory and practice. In level 1 students learn the fundamentals of acoustics, timbre and texture, notation systems, song forms, phrase structure, cadences, melody writing, writing simple basslines, block chord accompaniment for diatonic melodies, and elements of rhythm. In addition, assignments will include elements of orchestration, including Bb-instruments.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
Acceptance into the VCC Music Diploma program or permission of instructor.
Corequisites
It is highly recommended (but not required) that students also take MUSC 1301 Musicianship 1 concurrently.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify Intervals
- Identify Diatonic Triads and Seventh Chords
- Write Pentatonic and Diatonic melodies
- Write simple and compound-metre rhythms
- Analyze and write harmonies based on diatonic cadential progressions
- Write melodies based on diatonic cadential progressions
- Analyse and write melodies in different idioms
- Analyse and write examples using different phrase structures and song forms in different idiom
- Write for Bb transposing instruments
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
1. Practical and/or written examinations that demonstrate ability at or above the final exam and learning outcomes of this course.
2. A successful interview with the Music Department Leader and one other regularized music faculty member
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 15
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Lecture, assignments in composition and improvisation; group work in tutorial involving improvisation
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Evaluation Plan
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
Assignments
|
35
|
|
Midterm Exam
|
15
|
|
Quizzes/Tests
|
20
|
|
Final Exam
|
30
|
|
Course topics
- Notation systems
- Song forms, phrase structure
- Intervals, triads and seventh chords
- Cadences
- Melody writing
- Writing simple basslines
- Writing block chord accompaniment for diatonic melodies
- Elements of rhythm
- Melodies, structures and song forms in different idioms
- Bb transposing instruments
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/.
- To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.