This course, third in a three-quarter sequence, offers solid foundation in musical literacy through exercises such as harmonic and melodic dictation, sight singing exercises and rhythm in various meters. Topics include complex/asymmetric rhythm, harmony, modulation, transposition, part writing, form, serialism, basic jazz theory, and keyboard skills.

Prerequisite: Music 1B.

Introduction & Course Format

Dear all, my name is Berk Schneider. It’s a pleasure to share this course with you this quarter. As a D.M.A. candidate in the music department my research focuses on music perception, cognition, and contemporary trombone performance. I’ve had the opportunity of working with musicians and ensembles from around the world. I’ll do my best to give you a glimpse of what fundamental music theory has to offer. As always, I’m excited to see what we can uncover in our time together!

In the winter of 2023, most instruction at UC San Diego will be conducted in-person. In general, this means our class will include a series of lectures and canvas assignments, in addition to learning activities with your teaching assistants and fellow students. Our time will be consumed in a variety of tasks per week. There are no required texts for this course. The only recommended textbook for this class is The Musician’s Guide, Theory and Analysis. The entire e-book is available for digital download in our Canvas files. Please come to class prepared with a book of staff paper and a sharpened pencil with a eraser (https://blanksheetmusic.net/).

You will need access to a piano keyboard for your practice. If you don’t have access to a piano/keyboard on your own, the keyboard lab (CPMC 166) will be reserved for your independent practice (be sure to bring headphones and an adapter to plug into the keyboard!):

Monday and Friday from 5-7p.m.

Tuesdays 11a.m.-1p.m.

Wednesdays 9a.m.-10:50a.m.

Additionally, there are rooms with upright pianos on the third floor of the music building for you to use. Sign-up sheets are posted by the rooms each week. For both keyboard lab and practice rooms, students are expected to wipe down the keyboard before & after use.

Virtual piano is helpful when practicing singing at home. A free version could be found here: https://virtualpiano.net/

A metronome might be useful for your rhythm practice, it’s available for free on this website: https://www.virtualsheetmusic.com/metronome/ or you can download any metronome app. I recommend the app called tonal energy!

Group collaboration and teamwork will be an important element of this course so please introduce yourself early in the quarter within your section and join the Discord server. 

This class will take place in-person. However, some assignments and lectures will be asynchronous. This means that you will engage with many elements at your own pace via the modules tab on canvas. You can anticipate the following types of activities in each week of the term:

In person or real-time

At your own pace, within weekly due dates

Teacher/Peer Instruction Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30a-10:50a in person in CPMC 136
Section will occur in person twice a week (see schedule above). This time will be used for mastering material and working on group projects. 2 Performance lessons during section.
Quizzes, based on course texts/lectures will occur on Thursdays
Office hours will take place by appointment only via Zoom (please email me 24 hours in advance with a listing of desired times). Please contact your TA first.

Weekly Pre-Instruction Canvas Assignments are due Mondays (starting week 3)
Discussion & organization of the Creative Project between group members will take place during sections and via Discord
Midterm Exam, will be a take-home exam, check specifics under assignments in the syllabus

All info subject to change

Full syllabus