Part-writing of figured bass requiring all diatonic triads and seventh chords; nonharmonic tones and elementary modulation, harmonization of melodies in eighteenth-century style.  Prerequisite:  MUSI 1311.

Ralph Turek and Daniel McCarthy, Theory for Today's Musician, Second Edition (Textbook and Workbook Package)  Do NOT get an eBook or a rental as you will write in both books.

Finale notation program.  It is available at the bookstore for $99.  You will use it for every theory course (6) plus other courses. Contact Susan Trainham at the bookstore in the student center.

Music staff paper.  Go here  to print staff paper with keyboard and here for various other configurations.

Pencil and eraser.  I will not accept any assignment written in ink.  Mechanical pencils are a good choice. 

Notebook.  It will not be graded, but returned assignments and practice sheets will be your exam study materials.  If you get a spiral notebook, make sure it has pockets.

In-class lectures, discussions and analyses

Written assignments, including student composition

Individual work on computer programs

All homework assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date specified in the Course Outline. Specific instructions for assignments will often be listed in the Course Outline which will be updated on the course web page.  It is important to refer to this page often.  Any modifications to the schedule will be announced in class.

Late assignments will only be accepted with prior approval and then at a penalty of ten points per calendar day.

 

Notes:

Music exists in time.  It is important for music professionals to be able to perceive and identify musical elements quickly or they will be of little use.  For this reason, proficiency in the areas of music theory includes speed as well as understanding and assessment will include both.

Some assignments are based upon answers that are right or wrong and will be graded objectively.  Other assignments will have subjective content.  In grading those assignments, students do not begin with a 100 percent and lose points for infractions.  Rather, these grades are judgments about overall performance.  That is to say, students who have earned an 85% did not necessarily "lose" 15 points through error, but were judged to have performed at a B level.  These levels are basically described as:

A:  Excellent

B:  Good

C:  Average

D:  Below average

F:  Unsatisfactory

A grade of C or above is required to pass the course.

Tarleton differentiates between a failed grade in a class because a student never attended (F0 grade), stopped attending at some point in the semester (FX grade), or because the student did not pass the course (F) but attended the entire semester. These grades will be noted on the official transcript. Stopping or never attending class can result in the student having to return aid monies received.  For more information see the Tarleton Financial Aid website.

Attendance is required. Absences will only be excused with proper written documentation on letterhead. This includes a note from a healthcare provider in case of illness or a form signed by a sponsor (presented in advance) in the case of a University sanctioned activity.  Attendance at funerals and court appearances will also be excused with proper documentation.

Class will begin on time.  Use this link to set your watch.

A student's absences will not change any deadline or assignment requirements.  You are always responsible for any material you miss, so check the Course Outline and/or a fellow classmate for announcements, assignments, and requirements.

No food in the classroom.  Drinks in hard-sided containers with lids are allowed.

Turn off your cell phones and put them out of sight - mine and yours.  Text messaging is prohibited in the classroom.  Exceptions will be allowed at instructor's discretion on an individual basis if requested in advance.

Attention will be given to the lesson at hand, or you will be excused from the classroom.  (In other words, no working on other homework, personal business, sleeping, etc.)

Keep your backpacks and other personal belongings out of the aisles.

Do not leave the room during class except for emergency.  Be prepared to tell me that it is urgent.

If your conduct for any reason is unacceptable, you will be asked to leave.  Do not return to class until you have made an appointment to see me and the situation has been resolved.

Leave your space better than you found it.