Module overview
This module will provide you with a firm understanding of the theory and practice of the principles of Western 'common practice' tonal music that will be invaluable to later courses. You will first study the basics of counterpoint and harmony. Then, after honing these skills, you will use them to analyse the harmony of tonal music, learning to identify chords and non-harmonic tones, and to describe functions in context using figured bass, Roman numerals and Riemannian terminology.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Compose a contrapuntal line to a given melody
- Identify chords and non-harmonic tones
- Analyse harmonic progressions
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply problem-solving and analytical skills
- Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between theory and practice
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Harmonies and dissonances in context
- The basic principles of counterpoint
- Terminology appropriate to the harmonic-functional analysis of tonal music
Syllabus
- Principles of counterpoint
- Harmonic analysis using figured bass and Roman numerals
- Harmonic function and cadential progressions
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching for this module is delivered in lectures and seminars.
There are four formal assessments covering the areas studied: two assignments focusing on counterpoint, and two assignments focusing on harmony.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 30 |
| Lecture | 12 |
| Completion of assessment task | 36 |
| Seminar | 12 |
| Wider reading or practice | 30 |
| Follow-up work | 30 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Textbooks
Anna Butterworth. Harmony in Practice. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Eric Taylor. The AB Guide to Music Theory, Part 1 & Part 2. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Johann-Joseph Fux. The Study of Counterpoint. W. W. Norton.
The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (for musical terminology).
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 20% |
| Assessment | 20% |
| Assessment | 30% |
| Assessment | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External