MUS20650 Music Theory 2

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module builds on skills learned in Music Theory 1, and expands on the harmonic, contrapuntal and analytical skills learned in that module. The harmonic vocabulary learned in Music Theory 1 is here applied to composition of simple binary forms or accompaniments for the piano. The student’s harmonic vocabulary is increased through further use of modulation, and the introduction of dissonances, and these concepts are applied to analytical exercises (using the music of J. S. Bach as a model) as well as chorale composition. Basic concepts of musical form are introduced. The theoretical aspects of this module are supported by a Practical Musicianship class, which focuses on aural skills and basic keyboard harmony.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module the student will:
Demonstrate an awareness of the interaction between harmony and melody by composing simple piano accompaniments to melodies;
Display an awareness of the melodic, rhythmic and harmonic idioms of the Classical style by composing a simple binary form;
Recognise common chord progressions and dissonances in a chorale by J. S. Bach;
Be able to harmonise a chorale melody using diatonic chords, basic dissonances and secondary dominant chords;
Be able to recognise and describe basic aspects of musical form (sentences, periods, etc.);
Display the ability to play simple chord progressions (using primary and secondary triads) on the keyboard, and to harmonise a simple melody at sight;
Use music notation software to complete assignments.

Indicative Module Content:

Chapters 12–16, 18–21 and 35–37 of Burstein & Straus, Concise Introduction to Tonal Harmony (New York & London: W. W. Norton, 2016).
Stylistic composition for keyboard (accompaniments and simple binary forms).
Applied counterpoint.
Chorale-style SATB harmony.
Introduction to musical form (sentences, periods, binary forms).
Harmonic analysis of a chorale texture.
Aural skills.
Basic harmonic progressions and melodic harmonisation at the keyboard.
An introduction to music notation software.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

12
Practical

6
Autonomous Student Learning

58
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In-person lectures.
Face-to-face tutorials.
Individual listening and practice.
Task-based learning. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
MUS10160 - Music Theory & Musicianship 1, MUS10190 - Music Theory 1

Incompatibles:
MUS20430 - Harmony & Keyboard Harmony


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Written assignment: composing bass-lines and realizing figured bass. Week 12 n/a Graded No

10
Assignment: Written assignment: composing short Classical forms for instruments. Week 8 n/a Graded No

10
Examination: Questions on material covered in class. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

25
Assignment: Written assignment: composing melodies and accompaniments. Week 4 n/a Graded No

10
Continuous Assessment: Practical Musicianship: mark based on preparation for and participation in Practical Musicianship classes. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

25
Continuous Assessment: Tutorials: mark based on preparation for and participation in tutorials. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.