740-129 Music Techniques 1-2

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

(for non-BMus students) Faculty Musicianship Test or 740-139 Introduction to Music 1-2.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Students will be expected to have attained a sound understanding of chord function and harmonic principles within the Western musical tradition; and to be able to recognise and write fluent four-part harmonic textures, demonstrating their understanding of chord function.

A study of fundamental harmonic techniques and textures within the Western musical tradition, with particular emphasis on chord function and voice-leading techniques. Candidates will commence the course by consolidating principles of writing in four part vocal and keyboard styles within a basic underlying I-V-I tonal plan, and progress onto the use of seventh chords, approach chords, applied dominants, the cadential 6/4, chords of prolongation, sequential progressions and tonicisations. Chords will be grouped for discussion according to their function and the course will unfold in an accumulative manner.

Assessment

• Weekly written assignments (50%).

• Two hour end-of-semester examination (40%).

• Listening test (10%).

Note: A pass must be obtained in each section of the assessment.

Prescribed Texts

• Aldwell E & Schachter C, Harmony and Voice Leading. 2nd ed. 1988, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.