Chabot College

Course Outline for Music Literature and Theory 28, Page 1

Fall 2010

Chabot CollegeFall 2010

Course Outline for Music Literature and Theory 28

MUSICAL STRUCTURE AND SONGWRITING

Catalog Description:

MUSL 28 – Musical Structure and Songwriting2 Units

(May be repeated 3 times)

Study of contemporary rock and popular music theory. Common chord progressions, harmonic development, song forms, lyric structure and analysis, orchestration and analysis of studio recording effects on important popular music styles of the mid to late 20th Century. Prerequisite: MURT 6. 1 hour lecture, 3 hours laboratory.

[Typical contact hours: lecture 17.5; laboratory 52.5]

Prerequisite Skills:

Before entering the course students should be able to:

  1. demonstrate ability to identify harmony, melody and rhythm while listening to music;
  2. demonstrate comprehension of musical notation;
  3. demonstrate an appreciation of aural and written concepts as they apply to musical structures
  4. demonstrate and understanding of the value of music as a means of self-expression.

Expected Outcomes for Students:

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. identify common song and lyric forms from selected musical examples;
  2. design and implement common harmonic progressions;
  3. compose lyrics using basic lyric structures;
  4. interpret multiple meanings from song lyrics;
  5. harmonize a simple melody using basic harmonic progressions;
  6. distinguish individual layers in a multilayered recording;
  7. criticize or defend musical accompaniment in support of lyrical meaning.

Course Content – Lecture:

  1. Triad structures
  2. Rock and pop chord progressions
  3. Blues form
  4. Basic song form
  5. Common lyric structures
  6. Double meanings in lyrics
  7. Melody harmonization
  8. Analysis of lyric/accompaniment relationships

Course Content – Labratory:

  1. Triad structures
  2. Rock and pop chord progressions
  3. Melody harmonization
  4. Analysis of lyric/accompaniment relationships

Methods of Presentation:

  1. Lecture/Demonstrations (use of multimedia)
  2. Guided listening examples
  3. Listening assignments
  4. Guest speakers

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

  1. Typical Assignments
  2. Read chapter on the Blues form and be prepared to discuss
  3. Compose a simple chord progression
  4. Analyze the form of a given song lyric
  5. Compose a song using basic blues form
  1. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  2. Class participation
  3. Homework
  4. Quizzes
  5. Tests on chapter sections
  6. Final examination and project

Textbook(s) (Typical):

Contemporary Music Theory, Level One & Two, First Edition, Mark Harrison, Hal Leonard, 1999.

>Note: I am aware that this textbook is older would be preferred; however, it remains the best and most affordable textbook on the subject, and continues to maintain its relevance.

Special Student Materials:

None

Eric Schultz, 2. COR-MUSL28.doc

6 October 2009

12-10-09 cp