Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 10 with grade of "C" or better or equivalent knowledge of music notation
Advisory: Completion of MUS 40A with grade of "C" or better or equivalent piano skill; completion with grade of “C” or better or concurrent enrollment in MUS 3A
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Through guided composition and analysis, incorporates the following concepts: rhythm and meter; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; diatonic chords, basic cadential formulas and phrase structure; dominant seventh chords; figured bass symbols; and embellishing tones. Develops skills in handwritten notation. (C-ID MUS 120) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate fluency in pitch class and octave identification in treble, bass, alto and tenor clefs.
  • CSLO #2: Correctly interpret and write rhythms in both simple and compound meters.
  • CSLO #3: Correctly interpret and write key signatures, scales, and intervals in all keys and diatonic modes.
  • CSLO #4: Correctly identify and write triads and seventh chords and their inversions.
  • CSLO #5: Identify and correctly utilize stylistic voice leading practices of species counterpoint.

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Write and identify all major and minor scales and key signatures.

2. Construct any interval up to an octave above and below a given note.

3. Visually identify all intervals up to an octave.

4. Write and identify any triad in root position and inversion.

5. Identify simple and compound meters.

6. Identify cadence types, including perfect authentic, imperfect authentic, half, plagal, and deceptive cadences.

7. Conduct harmonic analysis of diatonic chord progressions.

8. Identify phrases and periods in notated music.

9. Write First through Fifth Species Counterpoint.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - C1 Arts
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • Cal-GETC 3A - Arts
  • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
    • IGETC - 3A Arts

Articulation Information

  • CSU Transferable
  • UC Transferable

Methods of Evaluation

  • Objective Examinations
    • Example: Sample-based exams will consist of the description and identification of scales, intervals, chords and other music materials.
  • Problem Solving Examinations
    • Example: Analyze a chosen example of tonal music, describing the pitch content, rhythmic content, harmonic content, and form to the best of your ability using concepts introduced throughout the semester.
  • Projects
    • Example: Compose a 16-32 measure composition for piano. Composition must include proper handwritten notation or use of notation software, use of various chord inversions and qualities.

Repeatable

No

Methods of Instruction

  • Lecture/Discussion
  • Distance Learning

Lecture:

  1. Instructor plays a series of intervals on the piano. Students are expected to listen and to identify the interval. Instructor has students write intervals and root note on manuscript paper.
  2. Instructor lectures on the creation of various chord inversion in various keys both major and minor demonstrating several examples on the whiteboard. With that knowledge students will be given figured bass notes and demonstrate various chords and inversions indicated on the whiteboard.

Distance Learning

  1. Students read and listen to instructor notes and videos outlining the main points and concepts addressed in a chapter about first species counterpoint. After watching a video of the instructor's example, students will write their own first species counterpoint line.

Typical Out of Class Assignments

Reading Assignments

1. Read chapter on triads from the text book. 2. Read music examples from sources outside of the class and report on examples you find of harmonic techniques covered in class.

Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

1. Write a critical evaluation of a performance using appropriate terminology. 2. Write a short paper analyzing a musical piece of your choice. Identify examples of musical concepts learned throughout the semester using appropriate terminology.

Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

1. Compose an original composition from 16 to 32 measures, employing the musical elements covered in class.

Required Materials

  • Concise Introduction to Tonal Harmony
    • Author: L. Poundie Burstein, Joseph N. Strauss
    • Publisher: W.W. Norton
    • Publication Date: 2020
    • Text Edition: 2nd
    • Classic Textbook?: No
    • OER Link:
    • OER:
  • The Musician's Guide to Theory and Analysis
    • Author: Clendenning and Marvin
    • Publisher: W.W. Norton
    • Publication Date: 2020
    • Text Edition: 4th
    • Classic Textbook?: No
    • OER Link:
    • OER:

Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.