MUS 155 - Music Theory I

(0.5 unit)

Beginning of the basic theory sequence. The first half of the semester covers fundamentals of music theory—notation, intervals, rhythm and meter, scales, key signatures, triads and seventh chords, Roman numerals and figured bass; introduction to counterpoint. The second half begins the study of the principles of harmony and voice leading in Western art music. Topics: diatonic functions and Roman numeral analysis with the tonic, dominant, and subdominant triads and their inversions; principles of four-part voice leading; nonchord tones. Harmonic concepts are exercised through score analysis and guided part writing and basic composition exercises.

All students taking MUS 155 are expected to be familiar with the topography of the piano keyboard (i.e., layout of black and white keys and their names) and have at least basic competency reading treble and bass clefs. Fluency in at least one of the clefs is highly recommended. F.