Spring 2021

Introduction to Music

Listed in: Music, as MUSI-111

Formerly listed as: MUSI-11

Faculty

Darryl Harper (Section 01)

Description

This course is intended for students with little or no background in music who would like to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of how music works. Students will be introduced to the technical details of music such as musical notation, intervals, basic harmony, meter and rhythm. Familiarity with basic music theory will enable students to read and perform at sight as well as provide an introduction to the composition of melodies with chordal accompaniment. The music we analyze and perform will draw from folk, popular, and concert traditions from around the world, including the Western tonal tradition. Assignments will include notational exercises, short papers, and preparation of music for class performance. This course serves as a requisite for many Music Department offerings.

Students with some musical experience contemplating MUSI 111 are encouraged to take a self-administered placement exam available at the Music Department website (www.amherst.edu/~music/TheoryPlacement.pdf). Students are also encouraged to discuss placement in music theory with a member of the Music Department.

Limited to 20 students. Fall semester: Lecturer Chernin (both sections). Spring semester: Professor Harper. Two class meetings and one ear training section per week. Spring semester: Professor Harper, three 50-minute class meetings and one 50-minute ear training section per week. Remote format, asynchronous interactive music exercises provided, individual meetings as needed.

MUSI 111 - L/D

Section 01
M 02:10 PM - 03:30 PM ONLI ONLI
F 02:10 PM - 03:30 PM ONLI ONLI

Offerings

Other years: Offered in Fall 2007, Spring 2008, Fall 2008, Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024