Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 6A with grade of "C" or better or passing score on examination
Advisory: Completion of MUS 40B with grade of "C" or better or equivalent piano skill; completion with grade of “C” or better or concurrent enrollment in MUS 3B
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Incorporates the concepts from MUS 6A. In addition, through guided composition and analysis, includes: an introduction to two-part counterpoint; voice leading involving four-part chorale writing; diatonic harmony; and an introduction to secondary/applied chords and modulation. (C-ID MUS 130) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Identify and correctly utilize stylistic voice leading practices of the Baroque era.
  • CSLO #2: Write and appropriately resolve chords within the basic phrase structure.
  • CSLO #3: Correctly identify tonal centers, triads, and seventh chords using Roman numeral analysis within a musical score.
  • CSLO #4: Identify and diagram motives, phrases, cadences, and larger structures within the context of a musical piece.
  • CSLO #5: Compose original music using specific musical elements included in course content.

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Analyze and write the basic phrase in SATB style, recognizing and using different diatonic chords to increasingly expand the basic phrase as appropriate.

2. Write and appropriately resolve chords, including triads and secondary dominants, within the basic phrase structure.

3. Identify embellishing tones within the basic phrase structure and in the context of a musical piece.
4. Identify cadence types and diatonic root progressions.
5. Realize a figured bass; harmonize a given melody.
6. Complete harmonic and formal analysis of music using Roman numerals.
7. Compose music using musical elements included in course content.

General Education Information

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

        Articulation Information

        • CSU Transferable
        • UC Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Objective Examinations
          • Example: 1. Sample-based exams will include four-part examples of music to be completed and/or analyzed. 2. Sample-based exam will include identification of various cadence types.
        • Problem Solving Examinations
          • Example: 1. Notate correct resolutions of dominant seventh and fully diminished seventh cords. 2. Write a realized figured bass accompaniment with proper voice leading.
        • Projects
          • Example: 1. Based on a Bach chorale melody, harmonize the melody with 18th century voice leading practices. 2. Create a composition for piano demonstrating the basic phrase using phrase extensions, embellishing tones and diatonic sequences.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Lecture:

        1. Instructor describes the Basic Phrase in SATB style and its parts. Students are asked to identify the different parts from various musical examples.
        2. Instructor lectures on how embellishing tones occur in a harmonic framework. Students are asked to identify and differentiate the various embellishing tones from a score for string quartet.

        Distance Learning

        1. Students watch a video of the instructor demonstrating writing an eight chord progression in the SATB style. Students then write and submit progressions of their own.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Read the chapter in the textbook on voice-leading and discuss the topic in class, identifying correct and incorrect voice-leading practices. 2. Select an example of music from the textbook and identify the passing and neighboring tones; then write a musical example that includes passing and neighboring tones.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Write a critical review of a live concert performance of art music. 2. Compose an original composition using the techniques studied this semester. Perform the piece for the class and discuss the techniques used in its creation.

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

        Compose an 8-bar chorale using the voice-leading conventions of the Baroque era.

        Required Materials

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

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