Music Theory: v. 2: A Syllabus for Teacher and Student

This syllabus is designed for a three-semester or a two-year program of class instruction in theory, in colleges or conservatories. It is derived from the author's experience in teaching the subject, and explores some areas of thought that have been only suggested, or even omitted from, other works on harmony and music theory. Particularly it seeks to increase an awareness of the relationship of harmony to form, and to assist in developing a more consistent system of harmonic figuring for diatonic harmony. Additionally it proposes a system for a realistic analysis of chromatic harmony, and examines turn-of-the-century developments, particularly the impressionistic style associated with Debussy and Ravel. It includes several short but complete compositions, as well as extended excerpts illustrating the growth of harmonic vocabulary from Corelli to Scriabin. There are a few short examples illustrating certain aspects of music from Gregorian chant to Hindemith. All unidentified items should be attributed to the author. Supplementary reading and written assignments are provided. The suggested sight-singing, keyboard, and dictation exercises can assist in developing basic skills in vocal sight-reading, keyboard improvisation, and the capacity to translate into musical notation the sounds by the ear.