INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY:

Instruction will vary from lecture, listening, analyzing, creating, performing, and collaborating. 

STUDENT EVALUATION/ GRADING POLICIES:

• 50% Assignments/Homework/Class Work/Observational
• 50% Exams and Special Projects

All assignments and exams will be on a 100 point scale

90-100=A             80-89=B                70-79=C                60-69=D               59-0=F

STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance online is required and will be measured by logging in to our online classes, as well as by your participation. Participation in on online environment means responding to all questions and queries in a timely fashion via chat or microphone. Failure to do so repeatedly in a single day will result in an absence. You are all allowed 3 “free” absences, after which you will have 3-points deducted from your final score per absence.

* Some students may have already mastered some of the content, so exceptions can be made. See me for approval prior to missing any classes due to mastery of content.  

STUDENT TARDY POLICY:  If you arrive 15+ minutes late, leave 15+ minutes early, or leave for 15+ minutes during class, you will be counted absent for the day. If you fall within that 15-minute grace-period with any regularity, you will be warned, then have the grace period disallowed. If your connection is faltering, self-report that through email ASAP.

MISSED EXAMS AND LATE WORK: Late work will be accepted up to one week after it is due with a 5-point penalty per day. Exams contain a combination of listening and performance, so your attendance is required. Take note of the assessment weeks below and mark them on your calendar.

INSTRUCTOR INITIATED WITHDRAWAL POLICY: The instructor may initiate a withdrawal for any student who falls below 50% attendance or fails to turn in at least 50% of assignments or tests by their final deadline

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL POLICY: It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is November 21. You are strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Maintain an official ACC Student email account and check it regularly. All email communication from ACC and this class will be sent to that address.  http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/

• Monitor Blackboard for messages and use when required
• Communicate challenges, need for help, frustration, emergencies, changes, etc.
• Participate in class discussion & activities
• Complete work as assigned

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK & TECHNOLOGY:

• Music Theory for Computer Musicians by Michael Hewitt
• Computer with internet access and Google Chrome, a camera, and a microphone
• A keyboard (if you don’t own one, MBPT may be able to provide it, otherwise a printout will do

1. Review Theory Basics
   1. Pitch
   2. Notation: Staff/clefs/notes/piano roll/tablature
   3. Scales
   4. Intervals
   5. Harmony/Chords
   6. Rhythm/Time and the grid
   7. Listening, Audiation, Replicating
2. Intervals
   1. Name any interval from any note (review)
   2. Compound Intervals
   3. Inverse relationships
   4. Hearing Intervals
   5. Finding and using intervals on piano, guitar, and voice
3. Scales
   1. Circle of 5ths
   2. Major, Minor (review)
   3. Alternate scales
4. Scales 2
   1. Modes
5. Test/Project 1
6. Scales 3
   1. Melody and Harmony
7. Chords 1
   1. Triad and 7th review
   2. Diatonic Relationships
   3. Transcribing Progressions
   4. Alternate chords
8. Chords 2
   1. Inversions
   2. Voicings
   3. Common chord progressions
9. Chords 3
   1. Voice Leading
   2. Non-Diatonic relationships
   3. Secondary dominants
10. Test/Project 2
11. Time Signatures
    1. 6/8 vs. 3/4 (review)
    2. Changing beat values (cut and half time)
    3. Odd time
    4. Time changes
12. Rhythm 1
    1. Breaking down drums and drum patterns
    2. Common beats, rhythms, and patterns across genres
13. Rhythm 2
    1. Changing the beat value
    2. Polyrhythms
14. Orchestration and writing rojects
15. Orchestration and writing projects
16. Final writing project and presentation

COURSE RATIONALE: This course is designed to provide an extended exploration of the primary components of music theory in the context of modern music creation, performance, and production.

COURSE OUTCOMES: Utilize critical listening and communication skills related to key components of music theory. Demonstrate understanding of intervals, modes, diatonic and non-diatonic chords, chord functions, voice leading, as well as mastery of the foundational elements taught in TFWM I. Utilize multiple methods of written communication including charts, piano rolls/grids, and formal notation. Demonstrate skills through listening and performance in multiple contexts.

MBPT PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Acquire insight, skills and expertise in music business, technology and performance.
• Identify and prepare for jobs in these fields.