Music Techniques 1-1

Subject 740-141 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Summer Term, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 one-hour lecture and 1 one-hour tutorial per week of semester
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: For non-BMus students, Faculty Musicianship Test or permission of coordinator
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

TBA
Subject Overview:

An introduction to the elements and processes of voice leading during the period of triadic tonality through the study of species counterpoint. Students will be expected to have attained a sound understanding of the elements and processes of voice leading within the Western musical tradition, and be able to write and sing fluent three-part contrapuntal textures, demonstrating their understanding of voice leading within species counterpoint. The subject will commence with students learning to write and sing single melodic lines, cantus firmi, and progress through the writing of first, second, third, fourth and fifth species counterpoint in both two and three-part textures. (This topic continues in Music Techniques 2, where species counterpoint is used as the basis for free prolonged counterpoint.) Students will also develop an awareness of counterpoint in composition through a close study of the thematic material of set works from the Western canon.

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

  • compose a coherent contrapuntal texture in two or three parts and solve common voice-leading problems

  • identify contrapuntal principles in a variety of tonal styles; and

  • analyse basic melodic lines using Schenkerian stem and slur notation.

Assessment: Weekly music notation assignments including an analysis assignment (50%): two-hour end-of-semester examination (40%); aural tests held mid and end of semester (10%).A pass must be obtained in each section of the assessment to pass the subject.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: Counterpoint in Composition (C Schachter and F Salzer), 2nd edn, Columbia University Press, 1989
    Breadth Options:

    This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

    Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
    Generic Skills:

    Students who have studied this subject should develop and enhance:

    • analytical skills
    • skills in evaluative thinking, and in the application of theoretical criteria to practical outcomes.
    Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
    Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Music
    Bachelor of Creative Arts and Bachelor of Music
    Bachelor of Music
    Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Commerce
    Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Laws
    Graduate Diploma in Music (Practical Music)

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