Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title MUSC 1001: Music Fundamentals

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts, Literature, and Philosophy

Course Description

This course is an introductory course focusing on listening to music and the reading of music. Basic elements of sound will be covered and will include: Rhythm, Melody, Pitch, Form, Harmony, Timbre, Expression, Tempo, and Dynamics. The course will include a basic approach to the physics of sound, sound as an art, the philosophy of music and the language of music. The course is intended for the general student and can be used as a prerequisite into music theory.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Physics of Sound Line, Shape, Value, Form
    1. Nature of sound
    2. Frequency
    3. Properties of sound
    4. Acoustics Introduction
  2. Sound as Art
    1. Communication and Expression
    2. Listening to Music
    3. Medium of Music
    4. Philosophy of Music
  3. Language of Music (Notation)
    1. Duration
    2. Pitch
    3. Staves
    4. Clefs
    5. Meter
    6. Chord qualities
    7. Form

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of the physics of sound.
  2. Develop a personal philosophy of music.
  3. Identify features of music heard in recordings or live performances.
  4. Demonstrate a working knowledge of music notation.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 6/The Humanities, the Arts, Literature, and Philosophy

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  2. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  3. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  4. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None