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MUS20650

Academic Year 2026/2027

Music Theory 2 (MUS20650)

Subject:
Music
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Music
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Conor Power
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module builds on the skills learned in Music Theory 1, focusing on theoretical concepts applicable to diverse repertoires, including twentieth- and twenty-first-century popular music. Students’ harmonic vocabulary is increased by further examination of the principles of tonality, modulation, and dissonance, and the module provides a grounding in analysis of thematic syntax and form. The module not only expands students’ music literacy, but provides a pathway to further extensive music theory and analysis as explored in Music Theory 3 in the spring. This module is supported by small-group tutorials which reinforce the students’ learning through analytical and theoretical exercises, and by keyboard harmony classes, which develop aural skills and introduce the basics of piano accompaniment.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module students should be able to:
- demonstrate a foundational knowledge of the interaction between melody and chromatic harmony, and the processes that underpin common-practice tonal composition.
- recognise and identify melodic and harmonic formulae.
- read an alternative form of notated music, such as a lead sheet
- engage critically with form
- play simple chord progressions (using primary and secondary triads) on the keyboard in various styles, and accompany a popular tune.

Indicative Module Content:

Parts 4 and 5 of Burstein, L. Poundie & Joseph N. Straus, Concise Introduction to Tonal Harmony (3rd edition), W. W. Norton: New York and London, 2025.

Chromatic harmony
Modulations and toniczations
Lead sheet notation
Analysis and interpretation
Form (binary, ternary)
Thematic syntax (period, sentence)
Basic harmonic progressions and melodic harmonisation at the keyboard


UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Advanced Beginner

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Advanced Beginner

Strategic

 The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Novice

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Advanced Beginner

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Advanced Beginner

AI Literacy & Agency

 The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Novice

Wellbeing

 Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Novice

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Tutorial

11
Practical

6
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

37
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In-person lectures
Face-to-face tutorials
Face-to-face practicals
Individual listening and practice
Task-based learning

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students attempting this module must have completed MUS10190, Music Theory 1, or equivalent.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
MUS20430 - Harmony & Keyboard Harmony


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Take Home Exercise Week 5 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Exam (Take-Home): Final Take-Home Exam on theory components Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
35
 No
Individual Project: Self-Directed Presentation (in Tutorials) - a short (5 minute) presentation on a song of your choice. Week 9 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
25
 No
Practical Skills Assessment: Keyboard Assessment (individual, with tutor) Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No

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.

Burstein, L. Poundie & Joseph N. Straus, Concise Introduction to Tonal Harmony (3rd edition), W. W. Norton: New York and London, 2025.

Name Role
Mr Connor Wilcox Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Aoife Murphy Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 09:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 2 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 3 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 4 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 5 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 6 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 7 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Practical Offering 8 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 16:00 - 16:50
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