MUS 112 - Basic Music Theory

2. Recognize notes in alto and tenor clefs.

3. Understand rhythms in basic time signatures, including simple and compound meters.

4. Perform rhythmic exercises in simple and compound meters.

5. Identify major and minor key signatures and scales.

6. Sing all Major scales.

7. Write major scales in all keys and three forms of minor scales in all keys.

8. Identify and write all intervals, including inversions and compound.

9. Hear and identify all ascending intervals within the octave.

10. Write and identify all major, minor, diminished and Augmented triads.

11. Write and identify all triad inversions.

12. Write root position seventh chords.

13. Know and use active listening skills. 

14. Use rules or frameworks to provide context for and understand problems or issues. 

15. Complete work accurately, with attention to detail. 

A. Syllabus

1. Explanation of Class

2. Explanation of Grading

II. Music Basics

A. Musical Alphabet

B. Reading Music

1. Treble Clef

2. Bass Clef

3. C Clefs

D. Semitones

1. Chromatic

2. Diatonic

E. Whole Tones

F. Rhythm Reading and Understanding

G. Drills

H. Computer Lab: http://musictheory.net

  III. Key Signatures (1-2 Weeks)

A. Major Keys  

1. Order of Sharps

2. Order of Flats

B. Major Scales

C. Circle of Fifths

D. Rhythm Drills

1. Rhythmic Syllables

2. Two Handed Rhythm Studies

3. Rhythmic Accounting

E. Singing: Major Scales (through three sharps and three flats)

F. Quizzes

IV. Intervals (2-3 Weeks)

A. Intervals of the Major Scales

1. Perfect

2. Major

B. Other Intervals (Intervals continued)

1. Minor

2. Augmented

3. Diminished

C. Interval Inversions

D. Compound Intervals

E. Singing: All Major Scales and Intervals

F. Ear Training: Intervals

G. Rhythm Studies: Compound Rhythms

H. Computer Lab: http://musictheory.net 

I. Quizzes

V.  Minor Scales and Key Signatures

A. Minor Key Signatures

B. Three Types of Minor Scales

1. Natural

2. Harmonic

3. Melodic

C. Circle of Fifths with minor keys

D. Relative and Parallel minor keys and scales

E. Ear Training: Minor Scales

VI. Triads (2 Weeks)

A. Four Types of Triads

1. Major

2. Minor

3. Diminished

4. Augmented  

B. Spelling Triads

1. From the Root

2. From the Third

3. From the Fifth

C. Triad Inversion

D. Primary Chords with Roman Numerals, I, IV, V    

         Chords

E. Singing: Triads

F. Ear Training: Triads

G. Rhythm Studies

H. Quizzes Minor Keys (with triads)

VII. Review and Comprehensive Exam (2 days)

In class practice drills, rhythm studies, singing and ear training: 30-50%

Individualized instruction: 5-10%

Computerized drills: 5-40%

Group discussion: 0-15 %