MU 161

Theory I

MU161 develops an understanding of the materials of music as they apply to all disciplines of musical study and practice. More specifically, the course seeks to develop creative, analytical, and musical listening skills through the study of the following main topics: Basic terminology and foundations of Western music and a comparative understanding of different chord nomenclatures in practice; Tonic and Dominant functions; Principles of outer-voice counterpoint in the context of 4-part harmony; Tonic and Dominant prolongation and embellishment; Cadential Pre-Dominant harmony and the Phrase Model. Examples will be drawn from a diverse range of composers and stylistic practices. Prerequisites: Admission to the BMus program (common year stream) or permission of the instructor.