Music theory is often considered to be irrelevant to our experience of music. This course will demonstrate that the opposite is true—understanding the laws governing the art of sound enhances our ability to appreciate, enjoy, and even remember music. Reversing the traditional academic practice of moving from concepts to real music, we will start with concrete musical examples and seek to extract their theoretical premises. The opening of Richard Strauss’s “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” will serve as a roadmap introducing concepts such as the overtones series, music intervals, major and minor modes, and chord progression. We will then use a repertory of well-known themes, songs, and large-scale compositions, from “Greensleeves” to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and from “Flight of the Bumblebee” to “Star Wars,” to expand our understanding of the theoretical foundations of Western music. Finally, we will learn how to use chords to harmonize a melody, and we’ll explore basic ways of composing music. An online library of listening examples and videos will help students absorb the teaching material.

 

MUS 121 is a listening-based introduction to key music theory concepts and harmonic procedures. Using a library of carefully selected pieces of music, the student will become familiar with basic patterns of melodic and harmonic construction. The aim is to recognize the fundamental unity underlying musical phenomena as well as improving practical skills, such as harmonizing a melody.

 

*Please see course page for full description and additional details.

 

• No Grade Requested (NGR) o This is the default option. No work will be required; no credit shall be received; no proof of attendance can be provided.

• Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) o A passing grade (for “Credit”) = at least 70% of expectations accomplished

• Letter Grade (A, B, C, D, No Pass): submission of written work is required

 

 

Suggested meeting days are Saturday and Sunday, but the final schedule will be determined through weekly online polls where students select their preferred day and time.

 

 

The following lists only basic topics I intend to cover during the course. As in previous years, I will be prepared to adapt the material to student need and progress. Every session will begin with a generous recapitulation to ensure that all students feel comfortable with the topics discussed.

 

• a brief analysis of So Spake Zarathustra

• the musical tone as a physical phenomenon mathematically structured

• the overtone series

• the intervals of octave-fifth-fourth and their tonal stability effect

 

• the sweet thirds

• triads and triadic melodies

• duple and triple meter

 

• secondary intervals

• scales

• complex meters

 

• chords (major, minor, augmented, diminished)

• rhythmic alteration (dotted notes, syncopation)

 

• chromaticism

• basic harmonic progressions

• cadences

• phrases

 

• complex chords

• advanced harmonization

• basic textures

• basic forms

 

• So Spake Zarathustra

• further engagement with music theory

• Town hall meeting: students submitting musical examples of their choice for analysis and discussion

 

Offered almost annually since 2005, MUS 121 exemplifies Stanford’s commitment to innovation and creativity. A selection of student comments from previous years is available here.

WHAT MAKES OUR ONLINE COURSES UNIQUE: 

• Course sizes are limited.
  You won’t have 5,000 classmates. This course’s enrollment is capped at 35 participants.
• Frequent interaction with the instructor.
  You aren’t expected to work through the material alone. Instructors will answer questions and interact with students on the discussion board and through weekly video meetings.
• Study with a vibrant peer group.
  Stanford Continuing Studies courses attract thoughtful and engaged students who take courses for the love of learning. Students in each course will exchange ideas with one another through easy-to-use message boards as well as optional weekly real-time video conferences.
• Direct feedback from the instructor.
  Instructors will review and offer feedback on assignment submissions. Students are not required to turn in assignments, but for those who do, their work is graded by the instructor.
• Courses offer the flexibility to participate on your own schedule.
  Course work is completed on a weekly basis when you have the time. You can log in and participate in the class whenever it’s convenient for you. If you can’t attend the weekly video meetings, the sessions are always recorded for you and your instructor is just an email away.
• This course is offered through Stanford Continuing Studies.
  To learn more about the program, visit our About Us page. For more information on the online format, please visit the FAQ page.