Elementary Ear Training and Sight Singing I

MUSC 1601 Elementary Sight Singing and Ear Training I

Course Number:  MUSC 1601 Elementary Sight Singing and Ear Training I

Section Number:  201

Location:                FA C117 A

Class Time:           TTR 8:30-9:20 AM                            

Instructor:               Dr. Tim Justus                                      FA C117F

                                 397-4502                                             timothy.justus@mwsu.edu

Course Description:

MUSC 1601 Elementary Ear Training and Sight Singing I is foundational course in music. Concentration is on the recognition and execution of intervals, scales, triads and sevenths, execution of rhythm and melodic and rhythmic dictation. A significant amount of time will be spent on developing practice techniques applicable to continued study.

Course Objectives:

• Recognition and vocal execution of all diatonic and intervals, scales, triads and sevenths
• Ability to recognize and execute rhythmic patterns in simple and compound meters
• Proficiency in basic conducting patterns
• Proficiency in taking dictation of rhythm and melody
• Proficiency in sight reading rhythm and melody

Textbook:

Robert W. Ottman. Music for Sight Singing.

Additional material as provided by instructor

Other Material: 

Music manuscript paper, pencil, eraser

Course Evaluation:

            Grading Scale

90-100-A

80-89-B

70-79-C

60-69-D

59- D

 30%     Class work and homework, class participation

Techniques and concepts will be learned in class, accompanied by a degree of practice. Significant practice is expected out of class. With the exception of individual test taking, most material will be covered, performed and graded in class. Absence from class results in missed class assignment grades. 

 30%     Quizzes

Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. Quizzes may not be made up.

30%     Exams

ET/SS Tests will be timed. During the course of a test, there will be multiple items to execute in a given time frame. You will have only the allotted time to complete all the items. Make up exams will be given only with a doctor's excuse or documented family emergency. Advance notice is required if you plan to miss an exam and take a makeup.

Class Activities

• Count and Clap Rhythm
• Conduct and Sing rhythms
• Sightsinging  
• Rhythmic and Melodic Dictation

Sight Singing Rubric

• Pitches should be sung in tune and with correct solfege syllables.
• Rhythms and rhythmic patterns should be sung accurately and in steady tempo, observing the spirit of the marking or tempo indication. Rubato, accelerando, ritardando, etc. should be observed.
• Examples should be sung with continuity, with no “start-overs*” and observing dynamic markings, articulations (accents, staccato, etc.), proper tempo

*(Start-overs are a breakdown or delay in the ability to sing to the degree that no recovery of pitch or rhythm is possible without starting over.)

Student Honor Creed:

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Attendance:

Attendance is the one of the most important aspects of the course. Understanding the concepts requires practice and participation in all class activities. Irregular attendance will result in loss of work, missed tests, missed quizzes, etc. Attendance will count 10% of the total grade. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class. 

Absences will have consequences.

• Individuals missing 10% of class may be denied the option for makeup exams or homework, even for missing a test with an excuse.
• In borderline grade cases, attendance will be considered a factor, for or against.

Excused absences include:

• Attendance at authorized off-campus activities or functions.
• Confinement to a university or other health facility when a written excuse is provided.
• Absences incurred due to illness, documented by a doctor’s excuse. Exams and class-work missed during a period of excused absence must be made up the week following the absence.

Special Needs:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Privacy Statement:

Federal privacy law prohibits the instructor from releasing information about students to certain parties outside of the university without the signed consent of the student. Thus, in almost all cases the professor will not discuss students’ academic progress or other matters with their parents. Please do not have them call. Regardless of these important legal considerations, the professors’ general policy is to communicate with the students, not their parents, even when a student has signed a consent form. College students are adults and are expected to behave accordingly.

Academic Dishonesty:

Academic dishonesty including plagiarism and giving or receiving unauthorized assistance is prohibited. Please review the University Honor Code. Any offense is reported to the MSU and the MSU Department of Education.

Writing Proficiency Requirement:

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.