MUST 111 Fall 15

Music Theory I Fall 2015

Announcements, links, and information. As I add new posts, the old posts will move down the page.

Syllabus

12/3/15 Final Exam on Wendesday and Tell Me What You Think

I hope today’s review class for the the final exam was helpful, and I hope you enjoyed our semester together.

Share Your Thoughts

I enjoyed working with you all. If you have any thoughts you would like to share with me about your experience with this class (positive, negative, neutral), please follow this link to a google form. You can submit anonymously, if you like.

Final Exam Info

  • Wednesday 12/9 8:00am-10:30am in our usual classroom, 313.
  • The exam is cumulative: you have to know and be able to do most of everything we’ve done throughout the semester.
  • It is longer: 4 pages instead of 3, but you have 2 1/2 hours to complete. It shouldn’t take most of you anywhere close to that long, but you have the whole time if you want it.
  • On the test:
    • 4 measure Bach chorale analysis (part writing texture)
      • Key, Roman numerals, leadsheet symbols, cadences, and circle and label all NCTs
    • 4 chord part writing
      • part write the following progressions in the given keys and add leadsheet symbols
        • i iv V i
        • I ii V I
        • I ii6 V I
    • A 5 chord basic figured bass (given bass with symbols below)
      • Key, Roman numerals, leadsheet symbols
      • part write with a voice exchange in measure 1
      • add, circle, and label 3 specified NCTs
    • 3 measure melody harmonization like on test 3
      • Key
      • Choose a good harmonic progression from given chord possibilities
      • Root position, except specified first inversions
      • Roman numerals and leadsheet symbols
      • Part write with specificed voice exchanges
      • label the cadence
    • 8 measure Bach chorale analysis like the first thing
      • Keys given, label leadsheet symbols, roman numerals, cadences, and then find all 17 NCTs (there is a list of them you need to find).
    • A whole slew of bonus questions.
Good luck on all of your finals.
See you on Wednesday!
David

11/24/15 Test No. 3 on Tuesday

Good luck on your preparations for Test 3, which is next class (Tuesday 12/1). See below on previous posts for specific information about what will be on the test. If you would like some analysis practice: workbook p. 301.

Let me know if you have any questions, and I hope you have a good Thanksgiving holiday.

See you on Tuesday!

David

11/19/15 NCTs continued continued and Quiz

We spent today part writing and adding NCTs, which is something you need to be able to do for the final exam. I assigned no homework, but I recommend you practice adding all the various NCTs to part writing you create. Let me know if you have any questions.

There will be a quiz next class (Tuesday 11/24) where I give you part written music and ask you to add specific NCTs. The rest of class will be review time for Test 3, which is on Tuesday 12/1. Come to class with questions and things you want to practice. Double check the calendar below (11/10 post) where I list the various things you will do on the test.

See you on Tuesday!

David

11/17/15 NCTs continued

We looked at two jazz tunes today and analyzed them for NCTs. For those of you not here today, I will hand this out for your own practice on Thursday. You will see something like this on the test, where you have to analyze a melody that has leadsheet chord symbols for NCTs. Next time we will practice writing NCTs in a part writing context.

See you on Thursday!

David

11/12/15 Project Due Next Class, NCT Stuff

I hope today’s focus on analysis was helpful to figure out chords and note nonchord tones. Here’s the pdf of the analysis (pp. 11 and 12 of the pdf (Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 11 in B flat major, Op. 22, Adagio). I recommend you take some time after you do the reading, to figure out some of the other nonchord tones we didn’t label.

Project

There is no homework other than to finish the project, which is due Tuesday (11/17). If you are on the choir tour, I will accept your project on Thursday (11/19).

A list of things to remember about the project:

  • Double check that all of your chords
    • have the right pitches in them,
    • have the correct doubling,
    • follow our chord progression guidelines,
    • and avoid all our part writing problems.
  • Then, make sure it is in Notation Software.
    • Enter a title. Project is a fine title. Something creative to make me laugh is always fun.
    • Put your name in the place for composer, since you are the composer.
    • Enter the notes and rhythms. Use the layers function to get the correct stem directions.
  • And finally write in your analysis. And make sure you label the following
    • your chosen key (CM, Am, GM, Bm, FM, Dm)
    • the 4 cadences
      • HC in m. 4
      • IAC in m. 8
      • HC in m. 12
      • PAC in m. 16
    • circle and label each of your NCTs (2 PTs, 2 NTs, 2 ANTs)
    • please bracket each of your required progressions.
      • I-IV-I (i-iv-i)
      • IV-V (iv-V)
      • I-V6-I (i-V6-i)
      • I-I6-IV (i-i6-iv)
    • label all of your chords with Roman numerals below.
    • and label all of your chords with leadsheet chord symbols above.

Readings

  • Page on my website: Nonchord Tones.
  • if you want, Chapter 6 in the book: pp. 118-204.
Next time in class we will be analyzing two famous jazz tunes for NCTs.
See you on Tuesday!
David

11/10/15 Chapter 5 Homework and Calendar

I hope today’s focus on part writing with ii was helpful. Your homework for tonight due Thursday (11/12) is pp. 61-62 from the workbook. We will go over the homework at the beginning of class next time.

Reading

Read from either

Calendar

Here’s a tentative calendar for the rest of the semester.

  • Thurs 11/12
    • HW p. 61-62 due.
    • Piano music analysis.
    • No homework assigned. Finish project.
  • Tues 11/17
    • Introduce all NCTs and practice analyzing them with jazz tunes. Finish analysis for homework.
    • PROJECT due (if you are on the choir tour, please turn the project in on Thurs 11/19).
    • I hope to get the projects graded early, but don’t expect them until 12/3.
  • Thurs 11/19
    • Go over NCT analysis homework.
    • Practice part writing all NCTs. Quiz next class on adding NCTs to part writing.
  • Tues 11/24
    • Last Quiz for semester: Add NCTs to part written music.
    • Review for Test No. 3
  • Thurs 11/26
    • NO CLASS: Thanksgiving Break!
  • Tues 12/1
    • Test No. 3
      • Short part writings: given first bass note and Roman numerals, then label key and add leadsheet symbols
        • Part write voice exchanges: i i6, i6 i, I I6 IV
        • Part write V6 as neighbor chord: i V6 i, I V6 I
        • Part write progressions with ii: I IV ii V I, I ii6 V I
      • Melody Analysis
        • Given melody and leadsheet symbols, label key, and circle and label all NCTs.
      • Analysis in piano texture.
        • Label the key.
        • Label the chords with leadsheet symbols and Roman numerals.
        • Circle and label all NCTs.
        • Name cadences and functions of specific chords.
      • Melody harmonization and part writing.
        • Give melody, first chord, and limit chord pallette (i i6, iio6, iv, iv6, V, V6).
        • Label the key.
        • Choose a good chord progression, making sure to use root position and first inversion as marked.
        • Write in roman numerals and leadsheet symbols.
        • Part Write.
        • Label the cadence you write.
  • Thurs 12/3
    • Go over test and review for cumulative final. Make sure you can do everything we’ve done all semester.
  • Wed 12/9
    • 8am Final Cumulative Exam.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
David

11/5/15 Project, etc.

I hope you found today’s class time for working on your project useful. Remember that the project is due Tuesday, 11/17. I am happy to look at your project in person again before that day (before/after class, office hours). Remember that the final version should be in notation software and printed out. And make sure you label the key, roman numerals, leadsheet symbols, cadences, and nonchord tones.

Also, the homework I assigned last class is due Tuesday (11/10). We will go over it then.

See you on Tuesday!

David

11/3/15 First Inversion HW and Project Time Next Class

I hope today’s focus on part writing first inversion with me walking around was helpful. Next class will be spent working on your project during class time.

The homework due Tuesday (11/10) is pp. 54-55 Exercises 3, 4, and 5 only. Make sure you include leadsheet symbols above each chord.

Readings

Let me know if you have any questions.
See you on Thursday!
David

10/29/15 Adding IV

I hope today’s class on melody harmonization with I, IV, and V chords, and then harmonic function was helpful. Your homework due Tuesday (11/3) is workbook pp. 49-50. We’ll go over it at the beginning of class.

Please also read the following:

The next step in the project is due a week from today Thursday, 11/5. That class will be a day for you to work on the project in class. I will be there to check your progress and help you make corrections.

I gave back your tests today, and while going over it with one student, I found a grading mistake. The correction raised this person’s grade. So please check my grading, and let me know if you have any questions or find mistakes.

Also, I gave you about a half hour to work on the homework in class today, and everyone left instead. Our class is flexible enough for you to do this. Just know there is a purpose to that homework time, and that you are choosing to pass up an opportunity for my help.

See you on Tuesday!

David

10/22/15 Test 2 on Tuesday

I hope today’s review day and my feedback on the project were helpful. I will see you on Tuesday (10/22) for Test No. 2. See previous posts for informaton about the test. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

See you on Tuesday!

David

10/15/15 Preparing for Test 2, HW, and Project

I hope today’s analysis practice and part writing work were helpful to prepare you for our next test on Tuesday, 10/27. Some important info for you:

  • You will see chorale analyses similar to the quiz on the test where you will have to label the leadsheet symbols, roman numerals, and cadences.
  • Also, the two longer root position progressions we part wrote in class will be on the test as well. Remember to apply the 3 basic movements to these progressions:
    • I vi IV V I (i VI iv V i)
    • I iii IV V I (i III iv V i)
    • Don’t forget to include the accidental for Ti in minor on the V chord.
Stuff to Read
  • Part Writing Tonic and Dominant (and/or Chapter 2 in your textbook)
    • This page includes a video where I part write all the possibilities.
    • Make sure you can recreate p. 132 in your textbook. I will ask you to write specifically each of the 5 part writing possibilities of the I-V-I (i-V-i) on the test. Note that only one of these fits our 3 basic movements pattern.
  • Classical Cadences
    • Read about PAC, IAC, and HC. You need to be able to label a few of these cadences in the chorale analysis (and in your own part writng as a check) on the test.
  • If you would like to understand how harmony normally operates in the style of music we study in this class, please read the following two pages as well.

Homework due Thursday (10/22)

  • Workbook pp. 43-44. Again make sure you can part write all 5 options for I-V-I (i-V-i) well.
  • I also recommend you part the two longer progressions mentioned above and these ones a bunch of times to practice for speed.
  • We will go over the homework next class.

Next Class is Review Day

Our next class (on Thursday 10/22) will be a review day for the test. What you practice and work on is up to you. I will be there to help and answer questions. I will also look over the first step of your project, which is due that day as well.

Have a good fall break.

See you on Thursday!

David

10/13/15 Part Writing HW and Analysis Quiz

I gave you a lot of stuff today. So here’s a more clear version of what is happening now.

NOTE: I misspoke in class today. For Test 2, you have to be able to do something almost exactly like today’s quiz over figured bass, roman numerals, and leadsheet symbols.

Part Writing Beginnings

Your multi-semester odyssey in part writing begins today. Here’s some readings to explain what and why.

Also, certain chords go to certain places in the style we are dealing with (here’s some optional reading, I will ask you to read this again next update).

Homework (due Thursday 10/15)

You need practice writing lots of basic 2-chord progressions.

I recommend you also write them multiple times. Write them in multiple keys, both major and minor. And remember that the notes in the S, A, and T are interchangeable. So, for example, try writing I-V with Sol in the S. Our goal is fluency with the three basic ways to get from one root position chord to another. Practice these progressions a lot.

Analysis Quiz Next Class (10/15)

I will give you a short hymn to analyze. Make sure you label the key and roman numerals below, and add the leadsheet symbols above.

Project

Here is a link to the page about our project for this semester. Please start on this soon. I will look over your progress on Step 1 on Thursday 10/22, which is our review day for the test.

Test No. 2

Our second test is very close (Tuesday 10/27). It is over chapters E, F, 1, and 2. Here’s a list of things you want to make sure you can do.

  • Modes and Counterpoint
    • Write any white-note mode (ex. Dorian: D to D) and any mode starting on C.
    • Write one first-species counterpoint above a given cantus firmus.
  • Roman NumeralsFigured Bass, and Leadsheet Symbols
    • Given a bass line with figured bass, add leadsheet symbols and Roman numerals.
    • Given Roman numerals, write the correct triads and seventh chords.
    • Given music to analyze, add figured bass, leadsheet symbols, and Roman numerals.
    • Analyze a hymn (chorale texture music) using Roman numerals and leadsheet symbols.
  • Part Writing and Harmonic Syntax
    • Know the Basics of Classical Harmonic Syntax.
    • Part Write 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-chord progressions using the correct root position guidelines.
    • Part Write I-V-I and i-V-i using various methods (discussed in Chapter 2).
    • Know these cadences: PAC, IAC, HC (discussed in Chapter 2).
We will work on this last section of stuff on Thursday. Let me know if you have any questions.

See you on Thursday!
David

10/1/15 Figured Bass, Lead Sheet Symbols, and Next Week

I hope today’s class on figured bass and lead sheet symbols was helpful in thinking about where these symbols come from. To do before next class:

Reading

Please read either of the following before class next time.

Homework Due Next Time

Please complete the worksheet we worked on in class today for homework due next class (10/6). Remember that you are

  • writing the correct notes implied by the figures above the bass line,
  • and then writing the correct leadsheet symbol above the the chord you’ve written.
Here are the materials from our look at “And the Glory of the Lord” from Handel’s Messiah.

Next Week in Class

As you know, I will be out of town next week performing in Ohio. Tobi will subbing for me and teaching you about Roman Numerals. He will also go over today’s homework. Here’s the info you need.
  • Readings either of the following:
    • From my website: Roman Numerals
    • From the textbook: pp. 68-69 “Roman Numerals”
  • There will be homework due Tuesday 10/13: pp. 23-25
    • Make sure you also add Leadsheet Symbols above every chord. Get in the habit of doing this. I will ask you to do this on future tests.
  • Prepare for the open-note quiz (Tuesday 10/13): Similar to Exercise 6 on p. 25.
    • You will be given a six-note figured bass. You will have 10 minutes to add the correct leadsheet symbol above and roman numeral below.
Let me know if you have any questions or need help. I will see you in two weeks.
 
Have a great week!
David

9/29/15 Counterpoint

I hope today’s focused today in class on counterpoint was helpful. Remember that I will ask to write one first-species counterpoint on the test. I recommend that you spend some more time practicing this before Thursday. There will be time next class if anyone wants to show me any more counterpoint.

Meanwhile, on Thursday we will learn about figured bass and leadsheet symbols.

See you on Thursday!

David

9/24/15 Modes and Counterpoint

I returned the tests today, and most of you did quite well. If you got less than a 90, please come talk to me so that I can help you succeed. I also gave out a questionnaire for your input into the class so far. Thank you for your thoughts. If you didn’t return the sheet or were absent today and would like to give me some feedback, I would be happy to receive your feedback on Thursday. (I’ll have the sheets with me.)

Now, counterpoint. Counterpoint is an important part of understanding how classical composers write their music, but will be a very small part of this semester of theory. My goal is to give you an understanding of how first species works, then you can write one good first species counterpoint on the second test. For modes, you will need to be able to write them out in their white-note versions, and also transposed so they’ll start on C.

Next class, we will continue writing, singing, and playing first species counterpoint in class. So before next class, please read the following.

  • On my website (This is the packet I gave you in class)
  • Or in the textbook
    • pp. 46-48 “Other Modes and Scales”
    • pp. 84-90 Counterpoint intro stuff including First Species

Homework

Due for class next time is one first species counterpoint with the Dorian cantus firmus on p. 84 in your textbook. Either above or below is fine. During class next time, we will continue to write some more first species counterpoints.

Let me know if you have any questions.
See you on Tuesday!
David

9/17/15 Preparing for Test No. 1

Our first test is over chapters A-D. To prepare, look over all the homework we’ve done so far. You will see things like this on the test.

Then make sure you can identify and write these things quickly (p. in workbook):

  1. Pitches with octave designations in treble and bass clefs. (p. 3)
  2. Intervals (pp. 3-5)
  3. Identify correct time signature from rhythmic notation (pp. 7-9) (Also review the different kinds of meter (simple, compound, duple, triple, quadruple.)
  4. Key Signatures in treble and bass clefs (pp. 11-12 )
  5. Major and Minor Scales (all three versions of minor) in any clef. NOTE: Tenor and Alto clef here! (p. 12) [No modes]
  6. Triads and Seventh Chords in root position. (pp. 17-20) Also be able to figure out chords built on specific scale degrees. (Know your inversions, although the test will only have root position.
  7. Write a circle of fifths that includes all 30 keys.

Let me know if you have any questions, and remember that the Theory GA, Tobi, has his first study session tonight at 7pm in CMUS 212.

See you on Tuesday!

David

9/15/15 Test No. 1 on Tuesday and Quiz on Thursday

Thank your for your work in class today. Everyone looks like their doing well with triads and seventh chords. Here’s the info we talked about in class.

  • Homework due Thursday: pp. 17-20 Exercises 1-9. Do not do Exercise 10.
  • We will go over the homework at the beginning of class next time.
  • Quiz on Triads and Seventh Chords like the interval one last week. Write 5 and Identify 5 each.
  • Review Day next class, make sure you know how do everything we’ve done on all the homeworks so far, and can write a circle of fifths with all 30 keys on it.
  • Test No. 1 on Tuesday (9/22) over Chapters A-D.
  • We will practice for the test as you need it in class individually and in groups next time.

See you on Thursday!

David

9/10/15 Reading about Chords

I hope you enjoyed listening to songs and figuring out their harmonies today. Many of you already seem to know a lot about chords, which is great. For those of you who don’t yet, don’t worry. The reading and our practice in class next time will help you learn.

So before next class please read the following:

We will spend all next class doing the homework, where you will write and identify chords until you’re ears bleed (figuratively). Our focus on intervals for two classes and now chords for two classes is to really set a great foundation for us to begin analyzing and writing music in a couple of weeks.

Here are links to the songs we worked with today.

Make sure you are practicing writing scales, key signatures, intervals, and now chords to increase your speed. Let me know if you need help with ways to do this.

See you on Tuesday!

David

9/8/15 Interval HW and Quiz Next Class

I hope today’s class day for the interval homework was helpful. Here’s two things you need before class on Thursday.

Interval Homework

  • Workbook pages 3, 4, and 5. Due Thursday (9/10). Will go over at the beginning of class.

Interval Quiz

There will be a quiz on intervals during class on Thursday (9/10). In five minutes, you will need to be able to:

  • Identify five intervals with the correct size and quality in either treble or bass clef.
  • Write five intervals above a given pitch in either treble or bass clef.

The rest of class will be an activity introducing chords and then practice writing them.

See you on Thursday!

David

9/3/15 Intervals and Integers Readings

I hope today’s activity with Bach’s First Invention helped you with thinking about intervals. To prepare to do the homework in class on Tuesday (9/8), please read the following:

Remember what I said about identifying intervals: compare the interval with the notes you find in the key of the lower note (is G-D sharp in G major?). This will help you learn intervals in tonal contexts rather then the slow, laborious work of counting half steps. Of course, learning the integer notation will speed up your half-step counting.

Also, please make sure you are using your weekend to practice reading in treble and bass clefs, major and minor scales, and all key signatures. You need to be able to read and write these things fluently as soon as possible. The more work you put it in now, the better you will handle the rest of your life as a musician (as well as in theory classes).

If you need individual help, please contact me via email and we can set up a time for me to meet with you.

See you on Tuesday!

David

9/1/15 Scales and Keys HW and Quiz Next Time

Thank you bringing instruments, singing scales, and tranposing with me in class today. Please make sure you know all of your major and minor scales in all keys. This also applies to key signatures. Today’s work on transposition was an introduction. You need to understand and be able to transpose as a working musician and teacher, but we will focus on other things.

So before class on Thursday (9/3):

Read the Online Materials and/or the Book

On Flippin’ Theory!:

In your textbook:

  • Chapter C: pp. 38-46 (ignore other modes and scales).

Complete the Homework and Prepare for the Quiz

  • Workbook pp. 11 and 12
  • Make sure you can write a circle of fifths (with both major and minor keys) from a blank circle.
  • The quiz at the beginning of class next time (9/3): 10 minutes
    • write 5 key signatures in both treble and bass clefs
    • write 5 scales (major and minors) in treble or bass clef.

After going over the homework and the quiz next time, we will spend the rest of class doing an activity with intervals and J.S. Bach’s Invention No. 1.

See you on Thursday!

David

8/27/15 A little of Chapter A and a lot of Chapter B, Homework, and Quiz; Also, Bring Instruments to Class on Tuesday

I hope you enjoyed today’s class on recognizing note names in standard clefs, recognizing meters aurally, and starting the homework on rhythm. You now have four things to do for class next time.

1. Read the Online Materials and/or the Book

Please go to my online music resource and read the following pages:

  • Introduction: this will tell you more about this website.
  • Note Names and Clefs: to review notes on all four clefs, learn about octave designations, and prepare for the quiz.
  • Meters: to get a clear description and listing of the various kinds of meters we talked about today.
  • Basic Notation: to learn some about notating music correctly, which is important for the homework.

You may also read the pertinent places in the textbook:

  • Chapter A: pp. 2-6 (not intervals, we will spend two days on intervals soon).
  • Chapter B

2. Complete the Homework

The homework due Tuesday (9/1) is workbook pages 7, 8, and 9. Remember that in theory class we are going to talk about 6/8 and the like as compound meters with dotted beats (6/8 as compound duple) rather than simple meters with more nondotted beats (6/8 as single sextuple?!). Both of these ways are valid, so please learn this other way that we heard and identified in multiple pieces of music by ear today in class.

I will go over the homework at the beginning of class next time.

3. Prepare for the Note Name Quiz on Tuesday

I will give you a short quiz next class (9/1) on note names (not including octave designations) near the beginning of class. This timed quiz will verify your ability to name pitches in treble and bass clefs quickly. So make sure you practice whichever clef you are less fluent with. 20 notes (10 each clef) in 5 minutes.

4. Bring Instruments to Class on Tuesday

We will play scales and melodies in class on Tuesday. If you play a portable musical instrument, bring it with you. Everybody else, you will use the piano in the room.

Let me know if you have any questions or difficulties.

See you on Tuesday!

David

8/24/15 Syllabus and First Day Survey

Welcome (back) to Winthrop! I’m David Kulma, you’re music theory teacher for the semester, and this is our course website for Theory I. I will be posting links, announcements, and other information for you here regularly.

  • For example, if you click on the Syllabus link above, you can see our syllabus. I recommend you print it out for yourself, since I’m not supposed to make photocopies of syllabi anymore. Take a look through it. I’ll go over some during our first class tomorrow, but make sure that you have read and understand it before the end of this first week. If you are too lazy to move back up the page, here is another link to it.
  • Please also fill out this First Day Survey to tell me a little about yourself and your theory knowledge. This is the first homework assignment and is due by classtime on Thursday (8/27). The sooner you do this the better for me. I would like to be able to read all of them sometime on Wednesday.
  • Finally, if you would like to see some of the online resources I have made for this class, you can click on this link, or the words “Music Theory” on the right-hand side of this page.

I look forward to our time together this semester, and I will see you tomorrow morning at 8am in CMUS 313.

David