Assignments

As stated in the Preface, Introduction to Music Theory is an interactive, multimedia textbook/workbook on CD-ROM. that consists of twelve (12) lessons, four (4) creative projects, one midterm and a final examination. Flexibility has been built into the material in order to accommodate diverse teaching styles and learning situations. For example, the University of Utah does not require the creative projects of its music majors, assuming those students will deal with the creative aspect of music in future theory courses. On the other hand, the creative projects are critical to the experience of the non-music majors who are taking the course as a General Education requirement.

Following are descriptions of the main components of this text. They can be accessed by clicking on the navigation buttons found above. After reading the remainder of this page, take some time to explore these buttons and see what you discover. Whenever you wish to return to this page, choose the "Components" button.

Outline

This page contains an outline of the main topics of each lesson including the appropriate placement of the creative projects and exams. Also included are study hints for dealing successfully with the course material.

Lessons

The lessons take on the tasks of both “textbook” and “lectures.” Built into thel lessons are midi sound examples, graphics and interactive exercises along with the written text.

Look at the navigation bar for Lesson 1 to your left. Each lesson has numerous topics that can be accessed by this navigation bar. You can also go through each lesson by using the navigation arrows located at the top right and bottom right of each page. The last page of each lesson is a table that contains a summary of the lesson's main topics.

Located below the lesson topics in the side navigation bar are appropriate links to the Practice Drills, Written Assignments, Creative Projects and Sample Exams.

Practice Drills

Two types of Practice Drills are included. Some of the drills are in the form of PDF documents that can be printed, completed with pencil and paper, and checked by comparing it to a key or submitted for a grade. Other drills are interactive practice drills providing immediate feedback and will provide you with a large amount of repetition and drill according to your individual needs. It is important that you work with these drills until you can do them with both speed and ease.

Finale Tutor

The Finale Tutor explains some of the main concepts concerning the use of the free software notation program that can be used for the Creative Projects. These projects can be completed using any preferred notation software, though.

Written Assignments

Written assignments in the form of PDF documents are meant to be printed by the student and completed with pencil on paper. For each lesson, there are at least two assignments--one has an answer key that can be accessed for self-grading. At least one other similar assignment is included for which there is no key. An instructor may choose to have you submit these for a grade. Because the skills required for these assignments will be the same as those necessary to complete the Midterm and Final Exams, it is very important that the assignments be completed easily and accurately. If you encounter difficulty with an assignment, review the written lesson and then spend additional time with the related practice drills.

Enrichment assignments are provided for those instructors and/or students who wish to be fluent with the C clefs. They are highly recommended for music majors.

Creative Projects

Creative projects may be assigned for which you will use the theoretical skills learned in the lessons to create your own music. For these projects, you can use the free downloadable music notation software (Finale NotePad). As an alternative, you could also use Sibelius, a very powerful, yet easy-to-use notation software program. Using either software program, you will be able to compose music at the computer and then listen to it (even with the correct instrumental timbres!).

Sample Exams

Sample midterm and final exams are provided with answer keys. There are two sample midterm exams: Sample Midterm A does not include exercises using the C clefs other than simple note naming. Sample Midterm B involves the C clefs extensively. There are three sample final exams. Version A is similar to its comparable midterm version in its limited use of the C clefs. It also does not involve the inversions of triads and seventh chords. Version B does include chord inversions, but still is very limited in its use of C clefs. Version C involves all of the material of the lessons.

"Note-ables"

" Note-ables" are PDF files you will want to print and keep in a notebook. They contain quick reference materials for the main concepts learned in the course (e.g., key signatures). One note-able is blank manuscript paper that can be printed and copied.

Piano Keyboard

When you click on the small keyboard in the top navigation bar, a piano keyboard with note names will appear in a separate browser window. Until you have internalized it, this graphic may be a handy tool for you when progressing through the topics.

MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAMS are taken in person with pencil and paper.