MUS 111A: Basic Musicianship Ia

Tompkins, Neville, Koppelman

 

Description

 

MUS 111: Basic Musicianship I is the first course in the core theory sequence required of all Furman music majors.  It consists of three co-requisites emphasizing discrete but complementary skills (written/analytical, aural, keyboard) designed to introduce and reinforce key theoretical concepts from converging perspectives.  This portion of the course (MUS 111A) stresses written, analytical and compositional skills and contextual listening.

 

Its principal objectives are to introduce music fundamentals, basic principles of voice-leading, and harmonic progression.

 

In addition to regular written, analysis, composition and contextual listening exercises, students complete approximately three graded homework assignments during each four-week module.  One stand-alone music technology project (emphasizing composition) is due near the end of the semester.

 

Required Texts

 

Laitz, Stephen G. The Complete Musician: An Integrated Approach to Theory, Analysis, and Listening, 3rd edition (Text and companion DVDs). New York: Oxford University Press, 2012.

 

Laitz, Stephen G. The Complete Musician: An Integrated Approach to Theory, Analysis, and Listening, 3rd edition (Workbooks I and II and companion DVDs). New York: Oxford University Press, 2012.

 

Required Materials

 

Staff paper, ruler, pencil, eraser

 

Web site

 

The course web site may be accessed via Moodle (FurmanŐs Learning Management System):

http://courses.furman.edu/

Log in with your network username and password, click on the course number, then click the link to the course website.

 

Study Partners

 

Because any real distinction between written/analytical work and aural skills development is artificial at best (and a distortion of the concept that sound equals symbol and vice versa), students are encouraged to work with the same study partner they have selected for MUS 111B (aural skills), especially for purposes of analysis and contextual listening.  (Please read the cautionary remarks below regarding academic integrity.)

 

Grading Policies

 

Students receive a separate grade for each component of MUS 111: Basic Musicianship I.  Grades for the written/analysis component of the course (111A) are calculated as follows:

 

                          Attendance and Participation         10%

                          Homework                                   35%

                          Technology/Composition Project    10%

                          Quizzes                                       10%

                          Midterm                                       15%

                          Final Exam                                   20%

 

All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period for which they are assigned.  Late assignments will not be accepted.  The final examination will be given on the date and at the time specified by the Office of Academic Records:

http://www2.furman.edu/sites/registrar/Pages/FinalExamSchedule.aspx

(Any request for exception due to emergency and/or serious illness must be supported by appropriate documentation.)

 

Academic Integrity

 

Academic misconduct will not be tolerated.  Furthermore, ignorance of the policies governing academic integrity at Furman does not constitute a legitimate excuse for violating its tenets.  Each student is urged to read the information regarding Academic Integrity at Furman available at:

 

http://www2.furman.edu/academics/academics/academic-resources/Pages/AcademicIntegrity.aspx

 

Though students in this class will sometimes work in pairs (especially for purposes of practicing aural skills), such collaboration should never be construed to include written work submitted for a grade.  In situations in which a student is uncertain whether collaboration violates the above-mentioned policy, he/she should consult with the professor in advance for clarification.  (Generally speaking, if the work you submit involves input or assistance from another person, but the grade you receive is given to you alone, you have probably violated the policy.)

 

Attendance

 

Each student is allotted one (1) unexcused absence during the course of the semester.  (This absence does not constitute permission to miss an exam or to turn in an assignment late, however.)  Excused absences for University- or Department-sponsored events must be requested by the faculty sponsor and approved in advance by the Dean.  No assignment, audit, quiz, exam, etc. may be made up without a legitimate written excuse.

 

Academic Assistance

 

Many types of assistance are available for students in theory classes:

 

- Help Sessions, conducted weekly by Furman Advantage Theory, Keyboard, and Technology TAŐs.  Please see the schedule of help sessions posted on the course website.

 

Online resources to accompany Laitz text:

http://www.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780199742783/resources/

 

- CDŐs from Marcozzi text (audio filesand answers to even-numbered examples)

 

- DVD's from Laitz text and workbook (good for practicing contextual listening, reviewing concepts, etc)

 

- Working with Study Partner (practice the "warm-up" drills we do in class, etc)

 

- Software in the Computer Lab (ask the Technology TA for help with any of these):

Practica Musica (Look in the "Activities" menu; especially good are the "Custom" exercises for intervals, scales, and chords where you can choose a customized subset of materials, like "only major and minor seconds", or "All triad qualities in root position and inversions").  The Custom exercises are found as sub-menus under the "More" menus.

EarMaster (aural training for intervals, chords, scales, etc)

Finale (good for double-checking homework, for those who can't play their part-writing, etc on piano)

GarageBand (for tech assignments; also has built-in notation, which might help for some assignments)

 

- Tutoring service available free of charge from FurmanŐs Office of Academic Assistance:

http://www2.furman.edu/sites/aa/Pages/default.aspx

James B. Duke Library, Room 002

294-2110

 

Office Hours

 

Office hours are announced during the first full week of classes and posted outside each faculty member's office.  Also available by appointment.