Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0232 - Musical Explorations: Theory, Analysis, and Composition

Musical Explorations

Spring
2026
1
4.00
Junko Oba

10:30AM-11:50AM TU;10:30AM-11:50AM TH

Hampshire College
341922
Music and Dance Building 110;Music and Dance Building 110
joHA@hampshire.edu
This course introduces students to basic mechanisms of diatonic harmony. Through analysis, performance, and composition, we will build a solid working understanding of basic principles of melody, harmony, and form common in many musical traditions that we consume in our everyday lives. In the first half of the course, we explore composition in 4-part polyphonic texture with and without modulation. In the second half, we explore modes as storytelling devices. Throughout the semester, we study different ways to build a larger coherent structure from smaller melodic motifs and harmonic progressions. Students interested in taking this course need to take the diagnostic evaluation in the first class and demonstrate their music theory competency to get the instructor's permission. Please check the prerequisite below. Keywords:Music theory, harmony, voice-leading, modes, storytelling

Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time Pre-requisite:Taking a diagnostic placement test is required. Instructor's permission is given for the students who are ready for the course materials

Permission is required for interchange registration during all registration periods.