Music 341 - Tonal Harmony and Counterpoint

Particular techniques of harmony and melody came into their own around the eighteenth century in Western Europe and eventually spread to many places around the world. These techniques have come to play a tremendous role in our perception of musical structure and our emotional experience as listeners. We find harmony and melody in concert halls, coliseums, and coffeehouses; jazz clubs, movie theaters, and mosh pits. Inextricably bound to our digital-download algorithms for "happy", "focus-flow", and "lo-fi cool down", they are built into our playlists. Through composition, analysis, dictation and performance, we will develop theoretical and practical tools to cultivate a deep understanding of the conventions of melody (the purpose for which we will use counterpoint) and tonal harmony across a variety of styles. In addition to the two lectures per week, students are expected to attend two 50-minute aural skills sessions per week in small groups. Fall and Spring semsters. Professor Harper.

How to handle overenrollment: If overenrolled, students will be randomly selected.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: artistic work, aural analysis, readings, written work, oral presentations, and group work.