Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

A continuation of MUS1100. Western music history: Analysis, assessment, and appreciation of selected works from the Romantic period to the present day. Western music theory: Tonal music, four-part voice leading, and advanced tonal harmony. Music composition: Composition, improvisation, and music technology.

Objectives

The second semester of this first-year music core unit is designed as a continuation and broadening of the first semester. The advancing music student continues to study and increase his/her skills in the areas of Western music history and Western music theory, and looks into the fundamentals of composition and music technology.



The Western music history lectures examine fundamental questions such as how composers write music, how music is performed in concerts and how music is organised in an historical framework with respect to form, style and genre. Students are guided in the appreciation, enjoyment and assessment of selected works from c.1800 to the present day. A basic familiarity will be gained with a variety of set works, determining specific formal and stylistic traits within each musical tradition. The knowledge gained from this study can then be used as a basis for the further study of other works within each tradition.



The Western music theory lectures assist the beginning music student with the study of tonal harmony, including chords, seventh chords, chord inversions, 4-part voice leading, modulation, sequences, etc.



The composition and music technology sessions will explore the methods and concepts relevant to composers in the context of the modern technological world. Students will explore the concepts behind the technology used by composers today as well as their creative application. Topics covered will include the use of computers in creating music, synthesisers and basic sound recording. Some practical training will be given in the use of computers as well as some exercises in composition.

Assessment

Written (3000 words): 50%
Exam (2 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Graeme Smith

Contact hours

3 hours (3 x 1 hour lectures) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Music

Prerequisites

MUS1100