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Listed in: Music, as MUSI-111
Formerly listed as: MUSI-11
Darryl Harper (Section 01)
This course is intended for students with little or no background in music who would like to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of how music works. Students will be introduced to the technical details of music such as musical notation, intervals, basic harmony, meter and rhythm. Familiarity with basic music theory will enable students to read and perform at sight as well as provide an introduction to the composition of melodies with chordal accompaniment. The music we analyze and perform will draw from folk, popular, and concert traditions from around the world, including the Western tonal tradition. Assignments will include notational exercises, short papers, and preparation of music for class performance. This course serves as a requisite for many Music Department offerings.
Students with some musical experience contemplating MUSI 111 are encouraged to take a self-administered placement exam available at the Music Department website (www.amherst.edu/~music/TheoryPlacement.pdf). Students are also encouraged to discuss placement in music theory with a member of the Music Department.
Limited to 20 students. Fall semester: Lecturer Chernin (both sections). Spring semester: Professor Harper. Two class meetings and one ear training section per week. Spring semester: Professor Harper, three 50-minute class meetings and one 50-minute ear training section per week. Remote format, asynchronous interactive music exercises provided, individual meetings as needed.
If Overenrolled: Based on an individual meeting with the instructor in the first week of class in which the musical background & ear will be tested to determine the appropriateness of the class level. Then, preference to 1st-years, seniors, and sophomores.