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MUS 111-Music Theory I

Northern Virginia Community College
Spring 2018
Instructor: Ms. Lisa Eckstein E-mail: leckstein@nvcc.edu
Office: AFA Building, Room 216 Office Ph: 703-845-6252 Cell Ph: 301-252-0750
Class Meeting: T & Th 11am-1:20pm, AFA Building, Room 126
Office Hours for Ms. Eckstein: M & W 8:30am-9:30am & 12-1pm, T & Th 10-11am, or by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The curriculum for MUS 111 helps students develop an understanding of musical
notation elements, structures of scales, intervals, chords, beginning analysis of the Bach chorale style, and an
introduction to musical structure. In addition, MUS 111 will help students begin to develop the ability to sing at
sight and dictate melodies in basic keys, clefs, and meters. Prerequisite: Students must be able to read both
treble and bass clefs and have a basic understanding of pitches and rhythms.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES include working knowledge of basic common practice music theory.
This knowledge will be demonstrated by the student's ability to
1. read and write notes and rhythms in various clefs, and in various major and minor keys.
2. spell triads and seventh chords from chord symbols and figured bass.
3. discuss and write about melodic elements & organization, and how chords progress.
4. analyze music from the late 17th to early 19th centuries, which includes recognizing various forms
and cadences.
5. sing melodies and rhythms at sight without the aid of an instrument, and notate simple rhythms
and melodies.

NATURE OF COURSE DELIVERY: This course will be taught using the online textbook, lectures,
discussions, relevant group activities, concert attendance, one hour of lab time outside of class each week (using
Auralia), homework practice, quizzes, and exams.

Required Textbooks and Materials

• Online Textbook: "The Musician's Guide to Theory and Anaylsis" Third Edition by Clendinning and
Marvin. *You will need the e-book and the online component...please go to this website to purchase the
book: https://ncia.wwnorton.com/guidetotheory3 I strongly suggest you purchase the e-book from this
website to get the best price. *DO NOT PAY MORE THAN $85 FOR THIS BOOK! (The hard copy
and the e-book cost the same and the online component for homework and extra practice is included in
the price (not an extra fee) if you want to purchase the hard copy.)
• "A New Approach to Sight-Singing" Sixth Edition by Sol Berkowitz, et al.
ISBN numbers for this book, 6th ed.: ISBN-13: 978-0393284911; ISBN-10: 0393284913
• 3.5mm headphones (regular headphones you use for you iPod are fine)
• Music staff paper and pencils. No work will be accepted in pen.
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NOVA Technology Requirements

You must be able to login to MyNOVA for Blackboard and you must check your VCCS email regularly (you
can have it forwarded to your personal email). You also need to be able to login to NOVA computers on the
student domain (ie, computers in a lab or the library). If you don't know logins, passwords, etc. for any of these
things, please call the IT helpdesk and have your student ID number and they will assist you. It's usually best to
call them while in front of a computer and make sure you can successfully login. IT Help phone numbers are
listed below.
Toll Free: 855.259.1019
(Outside of Northern Virginia)
Local Telephone Number: 703.426.4141
Email: ithelpdesk@nvcc.edu
Livechat: http://www.nvcc.edu/about-nova/directories--offices/administrative-offices/ithd/index.html
*For the Ear Training portion of the course, one hour must be spent for each class period using Auralia. Auralia
is available in the computer lab or may be purchased at www.Sibelius.com. Please purchase the STUDENT
CLOUD version of Auralia, as that is compatible with our resources at NOVA.

Student Responsibilities
1. Read and complete all assigned materials for the course on time.
2. Participate in classroom activities including group work, quizzes, and exams that reflect critical
understanding of materials.
3. Attend and participate in each class session.
4. Attend two approved concerts and write concert reports about them. The following events can count
as concerts: Band concerts are on March 1, 2018 & April 27, 2018, 7:30-9:30pm. Extra Credit will
be given for attending these concerts. Both of these concerts are in the Schlesinger Center on
campus and are FREE.

Assessments
1. Quizzes and Exams: Quizzes and exams are designed to evaluate the student's understanding of course
material. They will cover the content of class lectures, readings, assignments, and dictation.

2. Assignments and Homework: Assignments and homework are designed to aid students in the development
of their understanding of the course material. There will usually be both online textbook homework and
singing/rhythm homework. They will cover the content of class lectures, textbook readings and Ear Training
(Auralia). Students are required to complete one hour of lab time every week outside of class with the Auralia
Ear Training program (Auralia can also be purchased). It is expected that students will complete these
assignments on time. Information from classes missed is to be obtained from the teacher or a fellow student.
Late assignments may or may not be accepted. For homework from the e-book, half credit will be given for late
homework, as long as it is not more than two weeks late.

3. Concert Reports: Students will attend two live performances as an audience member. Both of these concerts
must be "classical" music concerts. If it is an off campus event, students must obtain permission for each
concert prior to the concert to ensure that it satisfies the requirements. Turn in the concert program or a ticket
along with the report or points may be deducted from the assignment.
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4. Class participation and attendance policy: Because of the importance of lecture and discussion to your
total learning experience, students are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in class regularly.
Attendance, punctuality, preparation, and active contribution to group efforts are essential. These elements of
your behavior will reflect the professional attitude implied in the course goals. Students more than 10 minutes
late will be considered absent. Students arriving after the class begins will be considered late. Three "lates"
equal one absence. Students who leave class early without permission will be considered absent. Students are
allowed TWO unexcused absences during the semester. THREE unexcused absences will result in the lowering
of the final grade by one letter. FOUR unexcused absences will result in the lowering of the final grade by two
letters. FIVE unexcused absences or more will result in automatic failure of the course. SIX absences, whether
they are excused or not, will result in automatic failure of the course. Students who must miss a class must
notify the instructor IN ADVANCE of the start time of class or must present a signed doctor’s note for a
documented illness for an EXCUSED absence. Students are responsible for completing all assignments and
readings for the next class. Attendance will be taken within the first 5 minutes of class. If a student arrives
in class after attendance has been taken, it is the student's responsibility to notify the instructor of their
presence after class.

GRADING SCHEMA

Homework Completion 15%

Auralia/Aural Skills Practice 10%
Quizzes 10%
Two Exams 15% (7.5% each)
Musicianship Portion 30%
Final Exam 15%
Concert Reports 5%
TOTAL 100%

Letter grades assigned as follows:

A 90-100% B 80-89% C 70-79% D 60-69% F below 60%

NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE A PASSING GRADE ("D" OR ABOVE) IN EVERY CATEGORY ABOVE
TO PASS THE CLASS! Example: you earn an "A" in all but one category above and earn an F in the one
remaining category...this equals a failing grade for the entire course.

Grading on written work will take into account the following factors: quality of work, knowledge of content
area, and adherence to requirements of assignment. It is expected that all of your work will be turned in on the
assigned dates.
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Northern Virginia Community College Policies and Procedures

Emergency Evacuations: In the event of a fire or bomb alert when the building must be evacuated, you must know the
route from your classroom to the outside, stay together and meet your faculty member for a headcount. You must stay
together and meet the faculty member as a group since a missing student will be presumed to be inside the building, and
personnel will have to search for that person. An Emergency Evacuation Plan is posted near the classroom door with an
evacuation route. Please review the route so that you will be prepared. In case of an emergency or drill, please do not take
personal items with you as you exit.

Withdrawal: "W" (no grade point credit). A grade of withdrawal (W) is awarded if you withdraw or are withdrawn from
a course after the add/drop period but prior to the completion of 60% of the session. After that time, you will receive a
grade of failure (F) except under mitigating circumstances, which must be documented on the NVCC 125-47 form. Last
Day to Withdraw Without Grade Penalty is March 22. If you are receiving federal financial aid and/or veterans’ benefits,
you should know that receiving a grade of “W,” “F,” or “U” for failure to attend classes may adversely affect your
eligibility for assistance and you may be required to repay any aid you have received. You can find more information
in the current Student Services Financial Aid brochure or from the Financial Aid Specialists at your campus Student
Services Center. NOVA policy: Registered students who do not attend the first three classes will be administratively
withdrawn. The last day to drop with tuition refund or change to audit (Census Date) is Jan. 29. The last day to apply for
Spring graduation (earlier application is encouraged) is March 1.

Special Needs and Accommodations: You are responsible for notifying your faculty member of any disability that
requires accommodation in order to meet your educational goals. A memorandum of accommodation form must be
presented to verify the disability at the beginning of the semester. These forms are obtained from the Counselor for
Disability Services, Bisdorf Building. You are not required to participate, for it is strictly voluntary as outlined in Title V.
However, the college cannot provide accommodations for a disability without first obtaining a verification of your
disability through this process.

The Learning Environment: The Alexandria Campus is committed to providing a positive learning environment in
which students of all ages and backgrounds can learn together in a setting that encourages the free exchange of ideas and
information. To accomplish this goal, the members of the Alexandria Campus Council have established the following
expectations for learning. 1. All backgrounds and cultures are respected.
2. During class discussions, everyone feels welcome to participate and a free exchange of ideas takes place.
3. All members of the class arrive on time and leave the class only on breaks or in case of emergency.

Disruptive Student Behavior: Disruptive behavior ranges from talking or whispering during lecture or when a faculty
member is addressing the class, to dangerous behavior toward the class and/or faculty. Minor disruptions will be stopped
and a warning will be given. If such behavior continues in the class, the student will be asked to leave for the day and that
request will be reported. If further problems arise, the student will be told to leave class and will have to meet with the
Dean of Students before attending the class again. Dangerous behavior includes threats or actions and will be immediately
reported to the campus police, who are licensed officers and can make arrests. In addition, the student will be required to
meet with the Dean of Students, and depending on the infraction, could suffer expulsion from the college.

Cell Phones: Cell phones may be on vibrate only in the classroom during class and only used for emergencies. Please no
texting. Phones are to be used outside the classroom during break only. If your cell phone rings audibly during a quiz or
exam, you will lose points.
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Course Organization:

In the online textbook, we will cover 1 to 2 chapters per week, depending on the topics. We will cover the first
16 chapters of this textbook. There will be homework due once a week through the online component. You can
also expect a quiz about every other week.

One hour of Auralia practice outside of class time is due every week. There will be weekly singing assignments
that are due via recordings and email, OR during class. We will use the Berkowitz book for sight singing
exercises and assignments.

The Final Exam is on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 from 9:30-11:10am.

Helpful NOVA Music websites

NOVA Alexandria Music Department website: http://www.nvcc.edu/alexandria/divisions/la/music/index.html

Music at NOVA Facebook site: www.facebook.com/Music.At.NOVA

Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center website: www.nvcc.edu/schlesingercenter/

Other Music Resources

NVCC has 15 accounts (meaning any fifteen people can be actively listening at any given time) of the Naxos
Listening Library. This is a very large collection of audio recordings, from new music to classical to jazz to
world music to Gregorian Chant. It can be accessed through MyNova here:
http://nvcc.naxosmusiclibrary.com/

The International Music Score Library Project (imslp) is an online resource that seeks to include all public
domain music scores. It functions much like Wikipedia, and it is extensive and very useful:
http://imslp.org/wiki/Main_Page (underscore before the word, "Page")

There are many websites that have various ear training exercises for extra practice on your own. One of the
better ones is:
http://teoria.com/

This is one has some basic exercises:

http://www.musictheory.net/
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Important NOVA Dates

Visit the Academic Calendar for all important dates for this semester.
http://www.nvcc.edu/calendars/academic/spring18.html

Here are a few that you will want to especially note:

Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Jan. 15
College closed.
Parking enforcement on Student “B” Jan. 30
Lots begins at 6 a.m. Free parking
after 3:45pm on weekdays or
anytime on weekends.
Last day to apply for Spring March 1
graduation. *earlier application is
encouraged*
Spring Break. Non-instructional days. March 12-18
No classes. College offices open.

16-Week Session
Classes Begin Jan. 10
Last day to drop a class with a tuition Jan. 29
refund or change to audit. *Census Date
Last day to withdraw without grade March 22
penalty.
Final exams end. May 8
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I go if I have a question, suggestion, compliment, or complaint?
A: The Music Department office is rm. 216 (2nd floor) in the AFA building. Our Acting Assistant Dean
for Spring 2018 is Lisa Eckstein. The Liberal Arts Division is located in rm. 252 of the Bisdorf Building.
Our Dean is Jimmie McClellan.

Q: How do I set up my email account?

A: Go to www.nvcc.edu, click on MyNOVA and follow the instructions. Contact the IT Help Desk if
you have any trouble. Toll Free: 855.259.1019 Local Telephone Number: 703.426.4141

Q: How do I obtain a Parking Pass? [Parking is FREE in all B lots, including the Beauregard St.
Parking Garage after 4pm on weekdays and at all times on Sat. & Sunday.]
A: Visit the Parking Services (AA-189) office on the first floor of the Bisdorf building.

Q: How do I obtain a NOVACard (library card and printing card)?

A: Visit the NOVACard office next to Parking Services on the first floor of the Bisdorf building.

Q: How do I obtain a Memorandum of Accommodations for a documented disability?

A: Visit the Disability Services website or contact:
Latacha Berluche 703.933.1840 lberluche@nvcc.edu
www.nvcc.edu/current-students/disability-services/index.html

Q: How can I receive help with writing and English?

A: There is an Alexandria Campus Writing Assistance Center that can help you. They are located at AA-
234. Free tutoring in some subjects is also available. You can call them at 703-575-4709 and email them
at writinghelp@nvcc.edu

Q: How do I find out more information about the Honors Program?

A: Visit their website or speak to Shonette Grant in the Liberal Arts Division: sgrant@nvcc.edu
www.nvcc.edu/academics/additional-learning-opportunities/honors/index.html

Q: Where can I find help with research?

A: The library is located in Bisdorf. The library website has research guides by subject, citation and
plagiarism guides, and a 24 hour “Ask A Librarian” feature. www.nvcc.edu/library

Q: How can I (or a friend) receive help for a mental illness, depression, addiction, assault,
harassment, or other troubling situation?
A: The NOVA Cares team allows you to receive confidential assistance or confidentially report another’s
suspicious or troubling behavior. http://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/