Music 253

                         Basic Experiences of Music

Lorna Mount
OFFICE: 7-614
845-9415 (voice mail)
lmount@hcc.hawaii.edu

Course Description: A Music Theory course. Emphasis on learning basic
concepts involved in reading, writing, singing and playing music.
Application of concepts in learning simple skills necessary for playing two
musical instruments-the ukulele and the piano. (3 credits)

Prerequisites: Placement in ENG 22/60 and in MATH 25

REQUIREMENTS COURSE SATISFIES:

AT HCC: AA degree Humanities requirements.

AT UH MANOA: UHM Humanities requirements.

READING LEVEL OF TEXT(S): 11th grade

OTHER: Basic math skills (add, subtract); logical reasoning process.

Course Objectives:

   * To have an understanding of the basic terms and concepts of Western
     music theory.

   * To be able to use your own knowledge of music theory to perform,
     analyze, and create your own pieces of music.

   * To have a continuing interest in music, both its structure and
     performance.

Evaluation:

1. WRITTEN WORK

HOMEWORK: You need to complete assignments in the textbook and in the
accompanying workbook. Several homework assignments not in the books may be
given during the semester. Homework is most beneficial when turned in on the
assigned date. Homework will be accepted only one class period late and will
be lowered by one grade.

2. EXAMINATIONS:

Two written exams will be given during the semester. They will be given
during a regular class period. A Retake for Exam I will be given to those
who wish to take it. You must attend the next class following the exam in
order to be eligible for the Retake. Retakes will be given in the Test
Center.

Proficiency exams on the ukulele and piano will also be given. These may
take place outside of the regular class period.

Quizzes: Short quizzes will be given at the end of each chapter to assess
mastery of concepts from the current assignments. You need to be present in
class to take the quiz. No make ups will be given unless you have called my
voice mail (845-9415) to notify me before class that you will be absent.
Retakes on the quizzes will be given if you receive a grade of C or lower.
You must attend the next class following the quiz in order to be eligible
for the Retake Quiz. Retakes will be given in the Test Center.

3. PRACTICAL SKILLS

You will demonstrate minimal proficiency in practical skills by performing
the following required exercises. You should plan to practice these
exercises several times a week on the proper instruments.

UKULELE -- Prepare and play the following:

  1. Major Scales: C, G, F

  2. Strum Chord Progressions I-IV--V7 in keys of C, G, & F

  3. Sing and strum songs assigned in class

PIANO -- Prepare and play the following:

  1. Major Scales: C, G, and F

  2. Minor Scales: The natural, harmonic and melodic forms of the above
     major scales.

  3. Chord Progressions I-IV--V7-I in the keys of C, G, & F

  4. Play selected songs assigned in class

CONCERT ATTENDANCE for EXTRA CREDIT

You may attend one music concert of western music. This may be an opera, a
symphony concert, a chamber music concert or a musical theatre production.
Then, write a short paper describing the performance; name your favorite
piece and tell why you chose it as your favorite; name the composer of that
selection and write a short paragraph about him or her.

Please turn in the program that was given to you at the concert.

Opera and Symphony concerts are available for approximately $6.00.

Chamber concerts are free if you attend one at the UH Manoa campus music
department. This report can be worth up to 10 points toward one of your exam
grades.

Mode of Instruction:

The emphasis in Music 253 is a continuous building upon the concepts that
you learn each day. The text is divided into chapters, which provide many
exercises for helping you master the concepts being presented. You should
master each chapter before moving to the next one. You are responsible for
the assignments given as homework and are expected to participate in class
discussions, playing, singing and drills.

Grading:

EXAMS 30%

QUIZZES 20%

HOMEWORK 20%

UKULELE 15%

PIANO 10%

ATTENDANCE 5%

YOU NEED TO ATTEND CLASS EVERY DAY IN ORDER TO PASS THIS CLASS.

Text and Other Required Materials:

Music First! By Gary White.

The book set includes the textbook, songbook and two tapes. Both books
should be brought to each class. Write in this book and do all work in it.

Fundamentals of Western Music.

This workbook is available at the HCC Bookstore. Put it in a 3-ring binder
and bring to class every day.

PIANO. It is helpful to have access to a piano or an electronic keyboard for
learning scales and accompaniments.

UKULELE. You will need to purchase or have daily access to a standard size
ukulele. This instrument should have strings that will hold their pitch
consistently. This instrument should also have a low G string. Kamaka
Ukulele located at 550 South Street will sell and put this string on for a
nominal fee.

The following stores have an inexpensive ukulele ($29.00-39.00) that has
good tuning pegs to help the strings keep their pitch. They also will put on
a low G string for you.

Hot Licks-1344 Young Street, Suite 3

Easy Music-1142 Auahi Street (not too expensive)

Coconut Grove Music-418 Kuulei Rd.-Kailua (not too expensive)

Harry's Music- 3457 Waialae Ave.

Frary Guitar-1019 Univ. Ave-Pucks Alley, Rm 7 (least expensive)

THERE WILL BE NO "N" GRADE GIVEN FOR THIS CLASS. YOU NEED TO WITHDRAW FROM
THE CLASS BY THE WITHDRAWAL DATE.