FNAR 1023 Syllabus – Fall 2021; Dr. Noble & Dr. Kutnowski
In this course, we will learn the basics of musical performance, improvisation, notation, theory, and composition, with a special focus on effective practice. Music materials will be spoken, clapped, sung, and played.
In this course, we will:
- learn to recognize notes on the staff and on the instrument in real time;
- learn to match pitch and sing in tune;
- recognize, read, notate and perform basic rhythms;
- recognize, write, transpose, and perform basic theoretical elements, such as intervals, scales, chords, and key signatures;
- integrate all learned concepts into musical practice.
Evaluation System
- Students attend and actively participate in every session and activity. Because some of your work will be online, our portals will measure this interaction automatically: 10%. Please register with your own unique username and password using this link:
https://utheory.com/section/a9mh6
- Students write a 250-word summary of the film "The First 20 hours - how to learn anything, accesible from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MgBikgcWnY: 10%
- Every week, students complete a specific set of exercises from uTheory: 40%
- Students write a 2,000-word reflective paper on their own learning process. Papers must weave the separate instances of self-assessment into a single document, namely: entry and exit forms of the course (Expectations and Self-Evaluation), plus periodic “system check” reflections. These separate experiences must be integrated into a coherent narrative that assesses the individual and collective challenges and rewards of the course: 20%
- Final Exam: 20%
- BONUS: Students complete a paper reviewing and comparing three music theory videos. This essay is a formal piece of writing that assesses, in a technical but amenable manner, the way in which three teachers organized the basic music theory concepts that we learned this semester: 10%
Evaluation Summary
- Active Participation 10%
- YouTube Film Summary 10%
- uTheory Exercises 40%
- Reflective Final Paper 20%
- Final Exam 20%
- Bonus Essay on Music Theory Pedagogy 10%
TOTAL: 110%
Course Fee: 10$.
Music Tutors: Our music tutors are available to any student requiring additional help, at no extra charge. Students can receive up to two hours per week of one-on-one tutoring. Please let me know if you are in need of additional help.
Outline of Topics & Assignments (both the order and the topics are subject to change)
- Recognition of Notes and Rests; Rhythmic Mastery ALL SESSIONS
- Instrumental Exploration/Performance: ALL SESSIONS
- Time Signatures
- Rhythmic Durations
- Accidentals
- Scales & Scale Degrees
- Intervals
- Key Signatures; Circle of Fifths
- Chords
- Basic Harmonic Progressions; Roman Numerals
- Voice Leading
- Teacher: Martin Kutnowski