Theory I MWF 9:00-9:50AM, Room 118 Lab TR 9:20-10:40AM, Room 118 Instructor:  Vicky Boucher, Room 122 Office hours posted on office door E-mail:  boucher@tarleton.edu Phone:  Ext. 9238

Course Description

• Introduction to music fundamentals, staff, clefs, key signatures, scales, time signatures and notation; meter and rhythm; chords; harmony; melodic organization and structure; introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI); aural skills.  Computer software used for some written and ear training assignments.  Prerequisite:  a passing grade on the placement examinations in theory and aural skills.

• There is an accompanying lab which is required and must be taken concurrently with this class.

 

Required Texts and Materials

• Stefan Kostka and Dorothy Payne.  Tonal Harmony, (5^th ed.), text and workbook.   (Do NOT buy used books)

• Bruce Benward and J. Timothy Kolosick, Ear Training: A Technique for Listening, (7^th ed.). (Do NOT buy a used book)

• Robert W. Ottman, Music for Sight Singing (7^th ed.).   (This book can be used)

• Music staff paper.  Go here  to print staff paper with keyboard and here for various other configurations.

• Notebook:  it will not be graded, but returned assignments will be your exam study materials

• Pencil and eraser.  I will not accept any assignment written in ink.  Mechanical pencils are a good choice.  Bring these materials to every class session.

• CRS Clicker (for Student Response System)

• Subscription to CRS (instructions will be included with CRS Clicker)

• Bring these materials to every class session.

You MUST have access to a computer for receiving e-mails, checking the Course Outline, receiving assignments, downloading and uploading assignments, and to score student compositions.    There are computers available in the Fine Arts building and in the library, open at scheduled times, but it is your responsibility to access these course elements as necessary.  Your failure to do so is not an excuse for late or missed assignments, or for missing course updates or other communication.

Course Work Includes

• In-class lectures, discussions and analyses

• Written assignments, including student composition

• Practical exercises in sight-singing and ear-training

• Individual work on computer programs

Grading Will Be Based On

• 30%   Regular homework and computer lab assignments

• 30%   Lab tests (3 @ 10% each)

• 10%   Midterm exam  

• 15%   Final exam

• 10%   Class participation

•   5%   Composition assignments

Attendance Policy

• Attendance is required. Absences will only be excused with proper written documentation on letterhead. This includes a note from a healthcare provider in case of illness or a form signed by a sponsor (presented in advance) in the case of a University sanctioned activity.  Attendance at funerals and court appearances will also be excused with proper documentation and advance notice.

• Attendance will be documented with the CRS Clicker and class will begin on time.  A late login will constitute a tardy and failure to login will be documented as an absence.  Use this link to set your watch.

• A student's absences will not change any deadline or assignment requirements.  You are always responsible for any material you miss, so check the Course Outline and/or a fellow classmate for announcements, assignments, and requirements.

Classroom Policy

• No food or drink in the classroom.

• Turn off your cell phones.

• Attention will be given to the lesson at hand, or you will be excused from the classroom.  (In other words, no working on other homework, personal business, sleeping, etc.)

• Keep your backpacks and other personal belongings out of the aisles.

Assignments

• All homework assignments are due at the start of class on the due date specified in the Course Outline. Specific instructions for assignments will often be listed in the Course Outline which will be updated on the course web page.  It is important to refer to this page often.  Any modifications to the schedule will be announced in class.

• Late assignments will only be accepted with prior approval and then at a penalty of ten points per day.

Problems

This course moves quickly. If you begin to experience problems, consult me right away. Do not wait until you are hopelessly behind or lost. Extra help (including tutoring) is available from several sources, but only if you ask for it.  Please refer to this link.

 

Academic Conduct

Any student caught cheating will automatically receive a grade of "F" for the class.  The student will be reported to the Judicial Affairs Office and the infraction will be placed in the student's permanent file.  Further disciplinary action may also be brought against the student.  Cheating is serious business and the penalties for engaging in this sort of activity will be severe.  Consult the following link for further information on academic conduct as specified in your student handbook. http://www.tarleton.edu/~stuserv/handbook/AcademicRights.htm#Conduct

If you are unsure what constitutes cheating, please review  this section in your handbook as you will be held responsible for this information.

Students With Disabilities Policy

It is the policy of Tarleton State University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal, state, and local laws relative to the provision of disability services.  Students with disabilities attending Tarleton State University may contact the Office of Disability Services at (254) 968-9478 to request appropriate accommodation.  This information can also be accessed at http://www.tarleton.edu/~stuserv/handbook/HandbookInfo.htm#Disability

Once your needs have been verified, I will work with that office to accommodate them.

Created and maintained by Vicky Boucher