Foundations of Tonal Music I

MUSIC 2 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

Course description: In Music 2, students will learn the fundamental elements of music and staff notation, learning standard terminology and fundamental techniques through a variety of methods and repertories. We will study the principles of musical organization (within a range of styles and historical periods) by means of composition projects, score analysis, improvisation, and aural skills. We will begin to think critically about larger topics, such as how music communicates emotion, and how this might change between cultures. No prior experience with music performance or with reading notation is required. 

Who should take this class? This course is best suited for students with little to no background in music, at least in terms of terminology and notation. Students who are already familiar with the fundamentals of music should consider Music 51a.

What will I take away from this class? By the end of the course students will have learnt the basics of music terminology and notation, as well as the norms of Western harmony as far as the composition and analysis of simple chord progressions is concerned. Students will also have gained the experience of writing and performing a few simple pieces of their own. 

Course Notes

Department of Music courses in music theory will no longer require students to complete a placement exam. Instead, students are instructed to self-place into music theory course(s) that match their abilities and experience levels at the time of course registration. Students should follow the instructions here for more information: https://music.fas.harvard.edu/music-theory-course-placement/

Recommended Prep

No prior experience with music performance or with reading notation is required. Open to all students.