Fundamentals of Music

Course Number:
MUS 110
Transcript Title:
Fundamentals of Music
Created:
Aug 15, 2022
Updated:
Jul 13, 2023
Total Credits:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture / Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
Yes
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0
Prerequisites

Placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98

Prerequisite/Concurrent 

WR 121 or WR 121Z

Course Description

Covers the basic concepts of music: pitch, rhythm, meter, intervals, modes, scales, harmony and music notation. Introduces the science of sound and music theory terminology. Begins development of musical performance skills through singing, clapping and performance on the piano keyboard. Includes basic aural/vocal skills. Course intended for non-music majors and to prepare students for further music theory study. Prerequisite: placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98. Prerequisite/concurrent: WR 121 or WR 121Z. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

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

  1. Apply basic principles of music theory to critical listening, performing and analytical skills.
  2. Utilize basic practicum (keyboard, rhythm and singing skills) which comprises the foundation of comprehensive musicianship.
  3. Manifest music literacy through grand staff reading, basic manual notation, and accurate intonation.
  4. Understand basic musical ensemble principles.

Alignment with Institutional Learning Outcomes

Major
1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)
Major
2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)
Not Addressed
3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)
Minor
4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)
Not Addressed
5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

To establish an intentional learning environment, Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) require a clear definition of instructional strategies, evidence of recurrent instruction, and employment of several assessment modes.

Major Designation

  1. The outcome is addressed recurrently in the curriculum, regularly enough to establish a thorough understanding.
  2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a thorough understanding of the outcome.
    • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Minor Designation

  1. The outcome is addressed adequately in the curriculum, establishing fundamental understanding.
  2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a fundamental understanding of the outcome.
    • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

  • The six elements of music
    • Melody
    • Harmony
    • Rhythm (tempo meter)
    • Form
    • Texture
    • Timbre (instrumentation)                                    
    • Notation of rhythm; reading and writing.
  • Nature of sound
  • Notation of pitch
  • The piano keyboard
  • Simple meter
  • The recorder
  • Compound meter
  • Borrowed rhythms
  • Major scales and keys
  • Intervals
  • The circle of fifths
  • Minor scales and keys
  • Root position and inverted triads
  • Basic musical design (form)
  • Introduction to harmonic function
  • Ensemble principles

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

The following skills are expected to successfully meet the minimum requirement of "C" or "Pass" for the course.

  • Read and interpret basic melodies in treble and bass clef.
  • Locate specific pitches on the piano keyboard.
  • Label pitches by letter name and Hertz.
  • Visually and aurally determine the meter of a musical composition.
  • Visually identify and notate major and minor scales.
  • Visually identify the key of a basic musical work.
  • Visually identify and construct intervals.
  • Visually identify and construct basic triads.
  • Determine the form of a basic musical work.
  • Provide an harmonic analysis of a basic diatonic composition.