MUSE 100: Music Fundamentals

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

This course introduces the basics of music theory including music notation, its history and development, keys, scales, intervals and the spelling of triads and seventh chords. It also introduces and develops basic ear training, sight-singing, and melodic and rhythmic dictation skills. This course includes a study of the role that music plays in society, its aesthetic impact, and examines some of the music of important composers in the development of western music. Recommended for all students desiring a comprehensive foundation in music theory, musicianship, and music history and appreciation. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • demonstrate knowledge of the basic properties and history of musical sound and notation
  • demonstrate knowledge of expressive notational terms and symbols in music
  • demonstrate skill utilizing selected music notation software
  • demonstrate the ability to spell all 15 major scales and the three common forms of all 15 minor scales
  • demonstrate the ability to spell and recognize all 15 major, minor, diminished and augmented triads
  • demonstrate the ability to spell and recognize all 15 major 7, major with minor 7, minor 7, half-diminished 7 and diminished 7 chords
  • demonstrate familiarity with common musical forms
  • demonstrate knowledge of musical terminology and vocabulary
  • demonstrate skill reading notes, rhythms and expressions on a staff
  • demonstrate a basic orientation to the keyboard
  • demonstrate knowledge of the history and construction of the major and minor scale
  • demonstrate skill recognizing, transcribing and singing intervals and simple melodies
  • demonstrate skill recognizing, transcribing and counting musical rhythm
  • demonstrate knowledge of melody characteristics and important composers and eras in western music

Major Course Content

  1. Introduction to the basic properties and history of musical sound and notation
  2. Modern staff notation
  3. Pitch notation, and an orientation to the keyboard
  4. Rhythmic notation
  5. The history of modes, and the construction and significance the major and minor scale
  6. Singing, writing and recognizing major and minor scales
  7. Major and minor key signatures
  8. Identifying and hearing intervals
  9. Reading and counting musical rhythm
  10. Singing simple melodies
  11. Overview of aesthetically important melodies, composers and eras in western music and culture
  12. Introduction to rhythmic and melodic dictation
  13. Expressive notational terms and symbols in music: tempi, dynamics, and expressive terminology
  14. Introduction to selected music notation software
  15. Spelling and recognizing triad qualities
  16. Diatonic Triads
  17. Spelling and recognizing seventh chord qualities
  18. Diatonic seventh chords
  19. Introduction to common musical forms- the shape and structure of music

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Analyze musical examples from a variety of sources for writing style and performability
Research musical information websites for additional perspectives and drill of musical concepts such as scales, chords and other related fundamental concepts: [music theory.net]

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Write examples of rhythms non-syncopated to syncopated, whole beat including multiples to divided and subdivided beat divisions
Compose simple melodies integrating pitch and rhythm
Properly draw musical symbols including notes, clefs expressions and articulations

Examples of Outside Assignments

Write examples of rhythms non-syncopated to syncopated, whole beat including multiples to divided and subdivided beat divisions
Compose simple melodies integrating pitch and rhythm
Properly draw musical symbols including notes, clefs

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture