To develop aural skills through focussed listening to music, and critical reflection on that experience.
To become more aware of that process, and develop skills of perception and analysis of music, irrespective of whether a score is available or not.
To investigate issues of form, timbre, harmony, melody, rhythm, style, technique.
to develop and extend musicianship, and to equip students with the necessary skills (score-reading, transposition, harmonisation, figured bass etc.) to achieve greater flexibility in seeking career development.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content
be aware of the different ways in which we listen to music, and be able to adopt listening strategies as appropriate
to develop listening skills through a weekly series of focussed activities
have considered issues of form, harmony, melody, rhythm and texture, and the techniques available to discuss them
be more aware of what they are hearing, and be able to communicate that experience through a variety of different formats: oral commentary, written account, diagrammatically
have improved their abilities to write down heard music in conventional and non-conventional music notation
have acquired a greater understanding of harmonic practice through the harmonising of melodies and the use of figured bass.
have gained a practical knowledge of the various C clefs (Alto, Tenor and Soprano) and of transposing instruments.
have studied the main elements of tonal harmony and practice from the common practice era c.1600-1900.
have demonstrated knowledge of this through the completion of written exercises in differing styles (eg chorale, string quartet etc.) and by listening.
have analysed chord progressions in excerpts from music literature.
have studied 18th century counterpoint (2-part/3-part) through analysis and written exercises.
Academic and graduate skills
Have developed critical skills in respect of responding to and commenting on that experience
have developed skills in placing new stimuli into context, and draw upon previous experience to make critical judgements.
Module content
This module consists of two parts:
A: Aural Skills
Weekly sessions in Autumn and Spring Terms, with a take-away assessment in Summer Term.
B: Harmony and Counterpoint
Small group sessions in Autumn and Spring Terms, with two take-away assessments, one in Spring Term and one in Summer Term.
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Take away paper (Aural Skills)
N/A
50
Essay/coursework Take away paper 1 (H&C)
N/A
25
Essay/coursework Take away paper 2 (H&C)
N/A
25
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Aural skills assessment – take-away paper handed out Week 10 Spring Term, submission Monday Week 6 Summer Term.
Harmony & Counterpoint assessment – take-away paper #1 handed out Week 10 Autumn Term, submission Monday Week 5 Spring Term; take-away paper #2 handed out Week 10 Spring Term, submission Monday Week 6 Summer Term.
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Reassessment: Take away paper
N/A
100
Module feedback
Assessment: feedback of marks within 20 working days of submission.