Music 112 - Exploring Music

Description for the Fall Semester:

Through composition, analysis, and performance, we will build a solid working understanding of basic principles of melody and harmony common in Western musical traditions. Assignments include harmonizing melodies, writing short melodies and accompaniments, and composing in several forms such as 12-bar blues, classical minuets, and "Broadway"-style 32-bar AABA form. ON several occasions we will use our instruments and voices to bring musical examples to life in the classroom. Two class meetings and one lab session per week. Students who have not previously taken a course in music theory at Amherst College must take a self-administered placement exam available on reserve in the Music Library and on the Music Department Website (www.amherst.edu/~music/TheoryPlacement.pdf ) in order to be accepted into the class. Students are also encouraged to discuss placement in music theory with a member of the Music Department. This course or Music 113 is considered a point of entry to MUSI 241, and serves as a prerequisite to many Music Department offerings in music history and culture.

Requisite: MUSI 111, or equivalent ability gained by playing an instrument or singing. Limited to 30 students. Admissions with consent of the instructor. Fall semester. Professor Schneider.

Description for the Spring Semester:

Through analysis, performance, and composition, we will build a solid working understanding of basic principles of melody and harmony common in Western musical traditions. Assignments will include writing short melodies and accompaniments as well as more detailed compositional and improvisational projects. We will use our instruments and voices to bring musical examples to life in the classroom. Two class meetings and one lab session per week. Students who have not previously taken a course in music theory at Amherst College are encouraged to take a self-administered placement exam available on reserve in the Music Library and on the Music Department Website (www.amherst.edu/~music/TheoryPlacement.pdf ). Students are also encouraged to discuss placement in music theory with a member of the Music Department. This course is considered a point of entry to MUSI 241.

Requisite: MUSI 111, or equivalent ability gained by playing an instrument or singing. Limited to 30 students. Spring semester. Visiting Professor TBA.