Music Language 1: the Diatonic World

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

On campus

120 hours

Offered as breadth with prerequisites: Musicianship Test, or permission of the coordinator

None

None

None

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.

An introduction to the elements and processes of voice leading during the period of triadic tonality through the study of species counterpoint and diatonic harmonic processes. Students are expected to attain a sound understanding of the elements and processes of voice leading and diatonic harmonic function within the Western musical tradition, and be able to write and sing fluent three-part contrapuntal textures, and four-part diatonic harmonic textures demonstrating their understanding of voice leading and harmonic processes through regular assignments. Students should also develop an awareness of counterpoint and harmony in composition through a close study of the thematic material of set works from the Western canon.

On completion of this subject, students should 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
• harmonise a melody in four parts using all diatonic triads within the basic I-V-I tonal plan and create complex harmonic progressions through the use of seventh chords and applied dominants
• realise a figured bass
• identify chord function and analyse harmonic progressions in different musical textures.

Weekly assignments (10) alternating between analytical and compositional tasks (70%); one-hour, in-class listening test held end of semester (10%); one-hour examination held during the examination period (20%).

Students must complete all assessment requirements to pass the subject.

Edward ALDWELL & Carl SCHACHTER Harmony and Voice Leading (4th edition). New York: Thomson Schirmer, 2010

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

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.