Course Outline for Music Literature 6
Basic Music Skills

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 12/09/2016
Catalog Description:

MUSL 6 - Basic Music Skills

3.00 Units

An introduction to the notation and primary elements of tonal music. Incorporates the following concepts: staff notation in treble and bass clefs, rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; and diatonic chords. Development of skills in handwritten notation is expected.
1004.00 - Music
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Laboratory 0.00 18.00 0.00 18.00
Total 3.00 72.00 108.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. create handwritten notation of pitch and rhythm;
  2. develop simple and compound meters;
  3. identify basic properties of sound;
  4. show understanding of intervals;
  5. identify key signatures;
  6. construct scales;
  7. explain what diatonic chords are.
Course Content:
  1. Notation of pitch and rhythm
    1. Rules of music engraving
  2. Simple and compound meters
    1. Common Time
    2. Duple Meters
    3. Triple Meters
  3. Basic properties of sound
  4. Intervals
    1. Major
    2. Minor
    3. Perfect
  5. Key signatures
    1. Construction of key signatures
    2. Identification of key signatures
  6. Scales
    1. Major
    2. Natural Minor
    3. Harmonic Minor
    4. Melodic Minor
  7. Diatonic chords
    1. Major Contruction
    2. Minor Construction 

 

Methods of Instruction:
  1. In-class written demonstration of concepts by students
  2. Lecture/Discussion
  3. Demonstration/Exercise
  4. Laboratory
  5. Distance Education
  6. Written exercises
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Complete written musical exercises in stem direction, beaming, baring and meters.
  2. Perform oral musical rhythm exercises.
  3. Read the chapter relating to chords and be able to identify and construct them.
  4. Analyze 8 bars of a nursery rhythm and be able to identify the notes using scale degrees in relation to the appropriate chord progression.
  1. Quizzes
  2. Homework
  3. Midterm Examination
  4. Final Examination
  5. In-class student demonstration of written musical exercises
  6. Lab Activities
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an appreciation of aural and written concepts as they apply to musical structure.
  2. Identify melody, harmony, and rhythm while listening to music.
  3. Understanding and ability write musical notation.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Schmidt-Jones, Catherine (2013). Understanding Basic Music Theory OpenStax CNX.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
An introduction to the notation and primary elements of tonal music. Development of skills in handwritten notation is expected.