MUS 121 Music Theory I

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Clinic: 0 Credits: 3

This course provides an introduction to the musical elements of melody, rhythm, and harmony. Emphasis is placed upon the interaction of these elements through fundamental analysis and an introduction to part writing. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of melodic voice leading, rhythmic functions within simple and compound meters, and simple harmonic progressions.

This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a premajor and/or elective course requirement.

Course is typically offered in Spring
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
At the completion of the course, the students should be able to do the following:

Demonstrate the fundamentals of music theory and music notation through practice, application, and tests.
Identify the basis elements of pitch and rhythm to include intervals, scales, key signatures, and melodic notation.
Develop analytical techniques and terminology in approaching music of diatonic harmony.
Use musical terms given in reading assignments and lectures.
Develop ear-training and sight-singing skills through lab/keyboard application and evaluations.