MUS 121 - Music Theory 1

Semester Hours: 4

Music Theory 1 is the first of four semesters of the music theory sequence. Topics to be covered will include: pitch, pitch class, scales, the basics of rhythm, intervals, triads, seventh chords, two-voice counterpoint, and notation and scoring. Students will also be introduced to technologies used in the study of music theory. In addition, a progressive program for developing aural, sight-reading, and keyboard skills will be initiated, which will be continued through the remainder of the required theory courses. Also included is an introductory study of the rhythmic procedures in the music of Africa. This course is a pre-requisite for all other theory courses and may be waived only upon satisfactory performance on a music theory placement exam and/or AP credit, along with permission of the Music Theory/Composition Area Head. There is no prerequisite for this course. A letter grade of at least C- must be attained in MUS 121 in order for the course to count toward the music major.

Corequisite: Students must also register for the lab MUS 121P.