Fundamentals of Music I Syllabus 21:087:111 Term: Winter Session 2014 Meeting dates: December 23, 2013-January 17, 2014 Meeting time: 9:00am-12:30pm Meeting location: Bradley Hall, Room 227 Instructors: Jeremiah J. Briley & Steve Beck Contact: Jeremiah.Briley@rutgers.edu/Spb107@pegasus.rutgers.edu Office hours: By appointment only (before and after class possibility) Required materials The Music Kit, Fourth Edition, Tom Manoff, W.W. Norton & Company ISBN 978-0-393-97403-4 (should include Workbook, Rhythm Reader, Scorebook, audio CD and computer software) Book will be available in the bookstore, also check addall.com, amazon.com, etc. Note: Used books are acceptable as long as no answers are written in. The instructor will check books to confirm answers are not filled in and if so the book can not be used. CDs/mp3s: Students will be expected to purchase several recordings of varying music styles including African, Indian, European Classical, Jazz, Rock, etc. Note: Do not buy any of these recordings before class starts. Blank music staff paper book with at least fifty pages, and pencils Course Description The Fundamentals of Music class aims to familiarize students having no prior understanding of music theory with the mechanisms and processes for music literacy and composition. Subject matter will touch upon important musical devices including rhythm, harmony, melody, chords and scales, and will result in the student being able to analyze, interpret, compose and perform various pieces of music. Students will be asked to attended live
music performances, compose music, give an informed opinion and analysis of the pieces and familiarize themselves with the piano/ keyboard. Class Overview Monday, Dec. 23 Introduction, class preview, Chapter 1 Thursday, Jan. 2 Chapter 2 Friday, Jan. 3 Chapter 2 continued Monday, Jan. 6 Chapter 3 Tuesday, Jan. 7 Chapter 3 continued, first concert paper /ticket due Wednesday, Jan. 8 Chapter 4 Thursday, Jan. 9 Chapter 4 continued Friday, Jan. 10 Chapter 5 Monday, Jan. 13 Tuesday, Jan. 14 Chapter 5 continued Chapter 6, second concert paper /ticket due Wednesday, Jan. 15 Chapter 6 continued Thursday, Jan. 16 Chapter 7 Friday, Jan. 17 Chapter 7 continued, Composition projects due, discuss/perform projects **Snow Dates (if needed): Saturday, Jan. 4, Saturday, Jan. 11, Saturday, Jan. 18 Note: Some class time may be allotted for students to work independently on the composition project and class assignments. Concert Attendance Attendance of at least two concerts is required. A one page report will be due for each concert attended, along with a ticket
stub or other accepted proof of attendance. Note: NJPAC offers a student discount to many performance with a ticket price of around $10. The instructor will also direct students to various websites that list performances in NJ and NY. Piano practice Students are expected to obtain access to a piano or keyboard for a least a one to two hours a week (pending your musical/keyboard proficiency) to put class theory and assignments into practice and to work on their composition project. The class will also occasionally have access to keyboards during class to review topics and have a chance to play and work on composition projects. Note: Students that do not have a piano or keyboard at home are encouraged (but not required) to purchase an inexpensive keyboard such as: http://www.amazon.com/casio-ctk-2300-sensitive-personal-keyboard/ dp/b008b890vi/ref=sr_1_47?s=musicalinstruments&ie=utf8&qid=1347980896&sr=1-47&keywords=casio+61+key Or a usb/midi keyboard controller (ie: to be used with a computer), such as: http://www.jr.com/korg/pe/krg_nanokey2wh or utilize the pianos in the practice rooms here in Bradley Hall. Composition Project Students will be required to compose a short musical work using the theories and processes explained in class and following the guidelines issued by the instructor. Class email list Students should provide an active email address to keep up with any relevant information, changes or required class dialogue. Grading 90-100 A 87-89 B+ 80-86 B
77-79 C+ 70-76 C 67-69 D+ 60-64 D 0-59 F Class Grade Class Attendance and Participation 30% Homework and Class Assignments 20% Quizzes 20% Composition Project 15% Concert Attendance 15% Note: Possibility of an extra credit assignment can be arranged if deemed necessary by the instructor, totaling no more than a five point final class grade increase. There will be no final exam. Attendance Class attendance figures significantly in the overall grade. The winter session is brief and students must be in attendance to learn the material. No unexcused absences are allowed. All absences must be made up (consult instructor for specific details). An unforeseen emergency absence, such as for a critical medical situation, will require proper documentation and is subject to approval by the instructor. Three unexcused absences will result in an automatic failure of the class. One unexcused class absence will result in a five point deduction from the final class grade. Two unexcused absence will result in an additional ten point deduction from the final class grade, totaling a fifteen point deduction from the final class grade for two unexcused absences. Being late to class will affect the attendance/participation portion of the grade negatively. Audio Resources Rutgers students have access to a tremendous collection of recordings here: http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/cms/indexes/descriptions/naxos Also, there are some additional resources here: http://libguides.rutgers.edu/content.php?pid=117501&sid=1202010
Course Evaluation Course evaluations are required for students and are done online. These are important and your answers are taken seriously.