Applied Popular Theory II

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
MUSC 1276
Discontinued
No
Course Code
MUSC 1276
Descriptive
Applied Popular Theory II
Department
Music
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours
4
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities

Lecture and practical demonstration

Course Description
This course furthers the student's understanding of the theory of popular music, and its practical application for the modern day musician. The student will be exposed to the central concepts and practices found in a wide variety of popular styles of music. The course will focus on popular music from the late 1960s to modern day. Exercises and assignments will include analysis and composition within selected styles.
Course Content
  1. Harmonic Practices:
    • More Pop (diatonic / chromatic)
    • Blues / Rock (modal / tonal)
    • Ostinato techniques
  2. Form: 
    • 32-bar form
    • Blues forms
    • Ostinato forms
    • Sections:
      • Intro, bridge, coda, etc.
      • Turnarounds, transitions, etc.
  3. Textural considerations:
    • Vocals
    • Rhythm section
    • Keys / pads
    • Horns
    • Other
  4. Analysis:
    • Written analysis of selected repertoire
    • Aural analysis of selected repertoire
  5. Other topics:
    • Scoring for small ensembles
    • More instrumentation
    • Basic orchestration
    • Chord voicing
  6. Selected repertoire from these areas:
    • Pop / rock
    • Psychadelic
    • Metal
    • Disco
    • Punk / new wave
    • Synth pop
    • Rap / hip hop
    • Grunge
    • Electronic dance music (EDM)
Learning Outcomes

MUSC 1276 continues to develop the concepts and practices introduced in MUSC 1176.  At the end of the course, the successful student wil be able to:

  1. Understand and apply the core theoretical concepts of pop music used to create characteristic pop sounds.
  2. Create more complex charts, scores and parts.
  3. Gain valuable insight into the idiomatic practices of popular music.
  4. Compose short examples within various contexts.
Means of Assessment

Quizzes (minimum of 4)

 20%
Assignments (minimum of 2) 30%
Midterm exam 20%
Final exam 20%
In-class work (presentations, demonstrations, participation)  10%
Total 100%
Textbook Materials

The instructor may assign a textbook such as:

Harrison, Mark. Contemporary Music Theory - Level One: A Complete Harmony and Theory Method for the Pop and Jazz Musician, Hal Leonard, current edition.

Prerequisites

MUSC 1176 or permission of the instructor

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Which Prerequisite

None