MUTH 7500:121 Music Theory I Fall 2018

Section 001: MWF 8:00-8:50am

Section 002: TTH 9:30-10:50am
Room: Guzzetta Hall 141
Credit Hours: 1

Co-Requisite: Aural Skills I, MUTH 1410

Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Music Theory (7500:101)

Mr. Eric Olmos

Email: Olmoseric12@gmail.com
Phone: 832-633-2195
Office: MU 359
Office Hours: TTH 11:00-11:50am
Or by appointment

Course Description
Music Theory I is a course that will continue to develop and strengthen your
fundamentals skills in music theory. Students will be taught the importance of comprehending
the Western common practice and be fluent in it to aid in their overall musicianship.

Course objectives
1. Develop a better understating of the western diatonic harmony
2. Write music that demonstrates the principles of common practice tonality
3. Become fluent in realizing figured bass and harmonizing melodies
4. Cultivate critical thinking skills through close analysis of musical works
5. Develop fundamental music literacy necessary to be an effective musician

Required Materials
1. Textbook and Workbook Package:
Theory for Todays Musician, Ralph Turek and Daniel McCarthy.
2. Materials posted on Springboard
3. Staff paper and pencil

Attendance
It is your job to attend this class regularly and on time. Attendance will be taken at the
start of the class every day. Arriving more than 5 minutes late to class will be counted as a tardy.
Three tardies will equal to one unexcused absence. Three unexcused absences result in the final
grade dropping by one letter grade; after six unexcused absences, you will be withdrawn from
the course and receive an incomplete grade.
You may only miss class if you have a valid excuse such as official University or School
of Music activities, medical and family emergencies, and illnesses. Any other reasons should be
emailed to me to determine legitimacy. In the event that you have to miss, email in advance or as
soon as possible.

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Homework Assignments
All work must be done neatly in pencil, and turned in at the start of class on the
designated date. Late work will be not be accepted. If you have questions regarding parts of your
homework, please contact me as soon as possible or come to my office hours. Two lowest
homework assignments will be dropped from your final grade.

Quizzes
Quizzes will be given out at the end of each section unit. The format will be similar to
exams but on a smaller scale.

Exams
There will be three unit exams total. It is imperative that you attend class on examination
day. Missing an exam will result in an automatic failing grade. Make-up exams will only be
given in extreme circumstances. If there are scheduling issues, please advise me well in advance.
Exam days are listed below on the calendar.

Grading
Your final grade will consist of the following:

Participation: 10%
Quizzes: 10%
Homework: 20%
Exams: 60% (20% each exam)

All Assignments will be graded on the following scale:

A 90-100 (A = 93 - 100)(A- = 90 - 92)
B 80-89 (B+ = 88 - 89)(B = 83 - 87) (B- = 80 82)
C 70-79 (C+ = 78 - 79)(C = 73 - 77) (C- = 70 72)
D 60-69 (D+ = 68 - 69)(D = 63 - 67) (D- = 60 62)
F 59 and below

Student Ethics
For information about The University of Akron's policies regarding student ethics and
conduct, please consult the following sources: http://www3.uakron.edu/gradsch/gradbull.html,
then select "General Information" (academic honesty); or www.uakron.edu/studdev/conduct.html
(Student Code of Conduct).

Disabilities notice
Any student who feels she/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a
disability should contact the Office of Accessibility at 330-972-7928. The office is located in
Simmons Hall Rm. 105.

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University Policy
"Students whose names who do not appear on the class list will not be permitted to
participate (take exams or receive credit) without first showing proof of registration by no later
than Sept. 11

Withdrawal Policy
The last day to add or drop a class is Sept. 12th and the last day to withdraw (WD) from a
class is Oct. 16th.

Plagiarism
Under University Rule 3359-41-02, plagiarism constitutes a type of student misconduct
that is punishable by formal disciplinary probation, suspension, or dismissal from the University.
It is the responsibility of all University of Akron students to know what plagiarism is and how to
avoid it.

Harassment
Harassment of any type (including disability, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, age, or
sexual orientation) is not allowed in class. The University of Akron is committed to providing an
environment free of all forms of discrimination, including sexual violence and sexual
harassment. This includes instances of attempted and/or completed sexual assault, domestic and
dating violence, gender-based stalking, and 5 sexual harassment. Additional information,
resources, support and the University of Akron protocols for responding to sexual violence are
available at uakron.edu/Title-IX.

University Closing Policy / Class Cancellation

Call 330.972.SNOW for university cancellations and check the Brightspace site in event
of inclement weather. Unexpected class cancellation notices will be distributed via email and the
course Brightspace site.

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Course Outline

Week 1
Introduction to Course
Major and minor keys/scales, scale degrees, and key relationships
Week 2
Continue Keys and scales, begin intervals (size and quality)
Week 3
Triads (Root/Quality/Inversion), Introduction to figure bass
Triads and Roman Numerals
Week 4
Continued Triads and Roman Numerals
Introduction to Seventh Chords
Week 5
Review/Catch up
EXAM 1
Week 6
Tones of figuration: passing tones, neighbor tones, and appoggiaturas, and anticipations
Suspensions
Week 7
I and V tonal pillars, and cadences
Introduction to four part writing: guidelines and norms
Week 8
The 6/3 as a contrapuntal expansion of I and V, common S-B patterns
The IV6 function, review of S-B patterns
Week 9
Uses of V7 and its inversions
Uses of viio7 and its inversions
Week 10
Review/Catch up
EXAM 2
Week 11
Predominant Chords
The Phrase Model
Week 12
6/4 chords
Week 13
Predominant seventh chords
The embedded seventh chords

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Week 14
The vi Chord
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Week 15
The iii chord
Review/Catch up
Week 16
Final Exam: Monday, December 10, 8:00am 10:00am

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