MUSIC 2101

Tonal Structure and Design in Classical, Jazz, and Popular Music I

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Study of the foundations of tonal music as manifested primarily in the Western literate tradition, also incorporating examples from various vernacular idioms. The course combines modern pedagogical methods with the study of historical sources and focuses on active learning at the keyboard. Topics to be covered include rudiments such as scales and triads; melodic and harmonic principles; voice-leading strategies and schemata; species counterpoint; improvisation, including techniques of embellishment; rhythm, meter, and gesture. During sections, the concepts and skills introduced in lecture will be practiced at the keyboard as well as vocally. Other section activities include elements of musicianship (aural skills, intervallic production and identification, rhythmic accuracy and fluency, etc.); transcription; sight singing; and score reading.

Prerequisites REF-FA25/Corequisites REF-FA25 basic ability to read/write music, to sing/play an instrument, and to navigate the keyboard (advanced skills not necessary), as evaluated by diagnostic exam (administered in first class meeting of semester) and/or permission of instructor. Corequisites: None.

Distribution Requirements (CA-AG, LA-AG), (ALC-AS)

Last 4 terms offered (None)

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