Basic Materials: Western Music

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MUAR 201 - Basic Materials: Western Music

General information Term and year: Winter 2024

Course schedule (class day(s) and time): Monday 4:05 pm – 17:25 / Wednesday 4:05 pm – 17:25 Location: Rutherford Physics Building, room 118

Instructor information

Name and title: Maryse Legault (she/her) E-mail: [email protected]

Office location / office hours: Thursday E214 (Schulich School of Music), 4:30-5:30 TA: Yintao Wang

E-mail: [email protected]

Course overview

This course introduces the rudiments of Western music and gives students the tools to recognize and analyze them through ear training, elementary theory, and basic piano skills. Topics to be covered include notation of pitch and rhythm, intervals, scales and modes, keys, triads and seventh chords, an introduction to harmonic function, the fundamentals of musical form, and introductory melody and accompaniment writing.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand and be able to use the piano keyboard;

2. Read and notate music in standard western notation;

3. Identify intervals, triads, scales and simple rhythmic patterns aurally;

4. Understand the basic pitch and rhythmic organization in Western music:

- Meter

- Scales and modes

- Keys, triads and seventh chords - Introduction to harmonic function - Fundamentals of musical forms Required Materials

1. Philip Lambert, Principles of Music, 2 nd edition (New York: Oxford University Press, 2018). Available from the McGill Bookstore in eBook and print formats.

Options for obtaining the course text:

o McGill Bookstore

o Amazon or other online retailers

o 2 copies are on reserve at the Marvin Duchow Music Library Service Desk (3-hour borrowing period)

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2. Manuscript paper, pencil and eraser. You can buy manuscript paper, or download it for free at www.blanksheetmusic.net/.

3. A virtual piano app on tablet, smart phone, or computer (see below for resources) or a sheet of paper with a piano keyboard printed on it (see MyCourses).

Other course materials will be linked or posted on myCourses or will be on reserve in the Music Library.

Additional resources are provided on myCourses.

Virtual keyboards:

http://virtualpiano.net/

https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/perfect-piano-learnto-play/id942937409 https://www.onlinepianist.com/virtual-piano

https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/piano/ id1126477246

Online tools and useful links

https://www.mcgill.ca/tls/students/learning-resources http://www.musictheory.net/

http://www.openmusictheory.com/

http://www.teoria.com/

Lectures and Modality of Delivery

Class sessions will be held in-person and will not be recorded. This is subject to change should the

exceptional circumstances occur, and an adjustment of the modality or the assessments might be expected. If I am sick at any point in the semester, I reserve the right to cancel class or move the session online. Any online class sessions will be recorded.

Assessments

Evaluations

25% Assignments (5: 5% each) 24% Quizzes (2: 12% each) 16% Midterm

10% Final assignment 25% Final exam

Class Policies

Office Hours

Open Office Hours will be held in person on Thursday in room E214 at the Schulich School of Music, between 4:30 and 5:30, or by appointment. I recommend emailing me before visiting my office for an office hour meeting.

E-Mail Policy

Please note I will typically respond to emails within 24-48 hours. Generally, do not expect a reply to emails outside of business hours (9am–5pm ET), or on weekends or holidays. Before emailing about assignments, please check the syllabus and assignment documents.

Extensions and Late Assignments

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Generally, late submissions without prior arrangement with the instructor or without a valid reason will be subject to a penalty of 5% of the assignment’s grade per calendar day and will not be accepted after seven (7) calendar days past the deadline.

Grade Appeals

Assignments are graded on performance, not effort. Grades are final, except where a mistake has been made in calculation. Here are the circumstances under which I would change a grade: (a) if an error has been made at the level of calculation, or (b) if you have not been held to the same standard as everyone else. If you seek clarification on a grade you have received, you should visit me during office hours, keeping in mind the criteria of evaluation on which your assignment was graded.

In the event that a satisfactory conclusion for a grade cannot be reached, you are welcome to follow the policy set by the Schulich School of Music for reassessments and rereads

(https://www.mcgill.ca/study/2021-2022/faculties/music/undergraduate/ug_music_acad_policies). If this process is instigated, a formal re-evaluation will be conducted by a qualified and impartial evaluator. Keep in mind that your grade could remain the same, be elevated, or be reduced.

Computer Policy

You are welcome to take notes on your computer or devices, and to silently consult your virtual keyboard during class. However, if an electronic device is distracting to the instructor or your fellow students, I reserve the right to ask you to put it away during class time.

Language of Assessment and Submission

“In accord with McGill University’s Charter of Students’ Rights, students in this course have the right to submit in English or in French written work that is to be graded. This does not apply to courses in which acquiring proficiency in a language is one of the objectives.” (Approved by Senate on 21 January 2009) [The French translation about this right may also be used on your course outline:]

« Conformément à la Charte des droits de l'étudiant de l’Université McGill, chaque étudiant a le droit de soumettre en français ou en anglais tout travail écrit devant être noté, sauf dans le cas des cours dont l’un des objets est la maîtrise d’une langue. » (Énoncé approuvé par le Sénat le 21 janvier 2009)

Academic Integrity

“McGill University values academic integrity. Therefore, all students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures” (Approved by Senate on 29 January 2003) (See McGill’s guide to academic honesty for more information).

AI Policy

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (e.g., ChatGPT) have led to language models that can generate coherent texts. However, these tools do not replace critical thinking, evaluating sources, and personal perspective. Please ensure that your assignments reflect your own human capacity to engage with music and course materials.

Accessibility and Accommodations

If you need special accommodations—other than or in addition to what Student Accessibility & Achievement (formerly the Office for Students with Disabilities [OSD]) offers—please ask.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities: If you require any accommodations for your assignments or other classroom modifications, please notify the instructor and Student Accessibility & Achievement. Ideally this should be done by the end of the first week of class. Student Accessibility & Achievement is in Suite 410 (4th

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floor) at 1010 Sherbrooke Street West (for more information, go to https://www.mcgill.ca/access-achieve/).

To get in touch with Student Accessibility & Achievement, you can call (514) 398-6009 or email [email protected] to speak with an advisor there.

Accommodation of Religious Holy Days: According to the Policy for the Accommodation of Religious Holy Days, students shall not be penalized if they cannot write examinations or be otherwise evaluated on their religious holy days where such activities conflict with their religious observances. If you cannot meet academic obligations, other than final examinations, because of religious commitment on certain holy days, you are responsible for informing the instructor, with two weeks’ notice of each conflict.

EDI Statement

As musicians and music researchers/educators, we must recognize that the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion are crucial to the wellbeing of the musical community, which extends to performers, educators, researchers, audiences, and others. We strive to ensure that diverse perspectives and experiences are

supported so that everyone may contribute to fostering a valuable, inclusive learning experience for yourself and your peers.

Wellness

Many students may face mental and/or physical health challenges that can impact not only their academic success but also affect their ability to thrive in our campus community. Please reach out for support when you need it; https://www.mcgill.ca/wellness-hub/ are available on campus, off campus, and online.

Intellectual Property

It is expected that you will be respectful of intellectual property by ensuring that any videos of this class and associated materials are not reproduced or placed in the public domain. This means that it is not permitted to put the material of this course on Internet, to give it away or sell it. Thank you for your cooperation.

Pandemic Preparedness Planning

In the event of extraordinary circumstances beyond the University’s control, the content, delivery modality, and/or evaluation scheme in this course is subject to change.

Schedule

I reserve the right to make minor changes to the course schedule if necessary. Any changes will be announced on MyCourses and by email, along with a revised syllabus. Always consult the most recent version of the syllabus.

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Class Schedule

Week Date Description Course materials Assignments

due 1 Jan. 8^th Course introduction

Jan. 10^th The piano keyboard, accidentals, half and whole steps

Required readings:

•

Lessons 1 & 2

• Musictheory.net:

steps and accidentals 2 Jan. 15^th Half and whole steps, rhythm

and meter Required readings:

• Lessons 3 & 4

notes duration, measures and time signature

Jan. 17^th More rhythm and meter Required readings:

•

Lesson 5

rests duration, dots and ties, simple and compound meter 3 Jan. 22^nd Staffs and clefs, notational

system Required reading:

• Lessons 6 & 7

staff, clefs and ledger liners

Assignment #1 – On MyCourses

Jan. 24^th The Major mode Required reading:

• Lessons 8

major scale

4 Jan. 29^th Major key signatures,

compound meter Required reading:

• Lesson 9

• Musictheory.net: key signatures

Assignment #2 – On Mycourses

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Jan. 31^st The minor mode, Quiz #1 Required reading:

• Lesson 10

• Musictheory.net: the minor scales

Quiz #1 – in class

5 Feb. 5^th Minor key signatures, more

about minor Required readings:

• Lessons 11 & 12

• Musictheory.net: key signature calculation

Feb. 7^th Midterm review/viewing

6 Feb. 12^th Midterm exam NO CLASS Review:

• Lessons 1 - 12 MIDTERM - on MyCourses Feb. 14^th Major & minor modes in

practice Review:

•

Lessons 8 - 12

7 Feb. 19^th Intervals I & II Required readings:

• Lessons 13 & 14

generic intervals

Feb. 21^st Intervals III & IV Required readings:

•

Lessons 15 & 16

specific intervals, writing intervals, interval inversion

8 Feb. 26^th Triads Required readings:

•

Lesson 17

introduction to chords

Assignment #3 – on MyCourses

Feb. 28^th Triads in practice Required readings:

•

Lesson 18

Reading

week March 4-8 NO CLASS

9 March

11^th Triads in major Required readings:

•

Lesson 19

diatonic triads

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March

13^th Triads in minor Required readings:

•

Lesson 20

10 March

18^th Triad inversions Required readings:

•

Lesson 21

•

Musictheory.net:

triads inversion

Assignment #4 – on MyCourses

March

20^th Seventh chords Required readings:

•

Lesson 22

seventh chords, more seventh chords, seventh chords inversions

11 March

25^th Non-chord tones, Quiz #2 Quiz #2 – in

class March

27^th Voice-leading and bassline

12 April 1^st Roman numeral analysis Review:

•

Lesson 22

roman numerals analysis triads, roman numeral analysis: seventh chords

Assignment #5

April 3^rd Ways of constructing music, chords symbols in popular music

Required readings:

•

Lesson 23

composing in minor scales, analysis: O Canada, 13 April 8^th Final exam review

April 10^th Final Exam Review:

•

Lessons 1 - 22

FINAL EXAM – in class

Final project due: April 17^th 2023 before midnight.

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