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[ Incoming Freshman's Guide to Music Theory (.doc - Word Document) ]

Incoming Freshmen’s Guide to Music Theory at JSU

 How do I know whether to register for MU 100 (Intro Music Theory) or MU 101 (Music Theory)?

 For now, register for MU 101 (either section).  When school starts in the fall, you will take a music theory placement diagnostic that will officially determine which course is appropriate for you.  Consider waiting to purchase your theory and aural skills textbooks until after the first week.

 When and where will the theory placement exam be given?

 If you follow your class schedule, you will go to your theory class at 8:45 AM on the first day of classes (both 100 and 101 meet on the same day and time).  The diagnostic will be given in all the freshman theory classes at that time.

 Is there anything I can do before I come to JSU to better prepare for the placement exam and my theory classes in general?

 We encourage our incoming music majors and minors to enter the program with the following skills:

• A basic understanding of musical notation, particularly regarding time signatures, pitch, and rhythm
• The ability to read notes in both treble and bass clef
• General knowledge of the layout of a piano keyboard
• The ability to aurally differentiate between stepwise motion and leaps
• The ability to aurally differentiate between half steps and whole steps
• The ability to vocally match pitch

 The placement diagnostic will assess all of the above skills except the last, but it is still worthwhile to spend some time using your voice as you will be asked to do so in your aural skills courses.  If you have access to a computer, you can learn and practice many of these skills at the following free website: http://www.musictheory.net/

 Will enrolling in MU 100 delay my completion of the music core curriculum?

 Students who take MU 100 can still keep pace with their incoming freshman class, provided they take MU 101 and 111 in the spring semester and MU 102 and 112 in the May Term of their first year.  Note: these courses are not available during the Summer I and Summer II sessions.

 If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to contact Dr. Mike D’Ambrosio at mikedambrosio@music.org or (256) 782-8235.

To download a copy and click save target as.

[ Incoming Freshman's Guide to Music Theory (.doc - Word Document) ]