This course introduces students to the broad cultural and theoretical perspectives involved in studying music at tertiary level, as well as developing the academic skills they will need to complete subsequent courses.

From a cultural viewpoint, the course introduces students to music as a universal, socio-cultural human phenomenon. Western, non-Western and intercultural traditions are considered from common points of view such as music and the environment, music and power, music and identity, music and other arts, music and society. The course develops the student’s ability to formulate ideas informed by contemporary cultural concepts, to research, discuss and critically reflect on musical practice, and to present ideas in a variety of formats and media.

From a theoretical viewpoint, this course takes as its starting point the assumption that music can be understood as structured sound. Students learn to appreciate and understand the ways in which musical elements such as motives, themes, durations, textures, timbres and so on, combine and contribute to the articulation of the structure, or design, of musical works. The basic emphasis of the course is analytical, and students will develop their ability to study musical works in terms of smaller parts that function together to create the whole.

By the end of this course you should be able to demonstrate:

 1. the fundamental concepts of music that can be found in music from around the world including classical, jazz and traditional music.

2. the significance of music in society

3. the fundamentals of music theory (rhythm, harmony, melody, form, texture) from a broad range of perspectives

4. an understanding of the way in which socio-cultural contexts have impacted music

5. A greater capacity for academic research and documentation using a wide range of sources

6. A greater capacity for reflecting, analysing, critically evaluating and writing about music

Portfolio of six theoretical exercises (30%) [learning outcomes 3 and 6], one 1500-word essay or presentation (30%) [learning outcomes 1-8]; one group project including assessment on group work process (40%) [learning outcomes 1-8]

3 hours per week: one 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour tutorial

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