course-details-portlet

MUSV1017

Techniques of Tonal Harmony and Harmonic Analysis 1 with MIDI and Ear Training

Choose study year
Credits 7.5
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Portfolio assessment

About

About the course

Course content

The course provides an introduction to basic music theory through exercises in techniques of tonal harmony, music technology, and ear training. The techniques of tonal harmony and ear training are taught via the four-part chorale tradition based on the chorale harmonisations of J. S. Bach and other figures of his era, and following also basic melodic, rhythmic, and formal principles. There is a focus on a stylistic understanding, voice leading, and functional-harmony conventions. Students are given exercises on a weekly basis in the harmonisation of simple melodic passages, and the analysis of the four-part chorale writing. These exercises constitute the course portfolio.

This course's lessons in basic music technology provide a brief introduction to the use of MIDI recording and sequencing, audio recording, and digital notation as tools for arranging/composing and ear training.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV1017

  • has knowledge of traditional harmony and ear training
  • has knowledge of different forms of analysis and analytical symbols
  • has knowledge of simple compositional techniques
  • has knowledge of simple melodic notation, rhythmic notation, and formal principles
  • has knowledge of basic music technology as a tool for composing

Skills:

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV1017

  • can analyze harmonic progressions in different contexts
  • can write homophonic four-part tonal harmony and carry out basic song arranging
  • can practice logical voice leading and logical dissonance resolution in accordance with traditional principles
  • can perceive and reproduce melodic, rhythmic, and formal sequences
  • can use computer music notation programs as a tool for composition/arranging

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and group instruction. Instruction is obligatory and demands minimum 80% attendance.

Up to 10 of the exercises will be in tonal harmony and harmonic analysis, and 3-5 exercises will be in aural training.

Basic Music Technology A: instruction is conducted in exercise groups. Assessment: Pass/fail based on written assignments and attendance in compulsory instruction.

Compulsory assignments

  • Passed Basic Music Technology A
  • Satisfactory participation in compulsory instruction
  • Exercises in aural training, tonal harmony and harmonic analysis

Further on evaluation

Portfolio containing up to eight assignments that will be assessed together with a comprehensive pass/fail grade.

If the course is not passed, the student must retake the whole assessment. If the candidate retakes the exam there is no need to redo the compulsory assignments, though it is strongly recommended to follow the complete course again, as the form of evaluation will remain a portfolio assessment.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Music Performance Studies (BMUSP)
Musicology (BMUSV)
Musicology (ÅMUSV)

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
MUSV1003 7.5 sp Spring 2004
MUSV1015 2.5 sp Autumn 2014
MUSP4152 3.7 sp Autumn 2025
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Musicology
  • Music Performance Studies

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Music

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Portfolio assessment
Grade: Passed / Not Passed

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Portfolio assessment
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment