UNDERGRADUATE
MUSI1023 Materials and Structures of Music
Course Type: core/compulsory for music majors, free elective for others
Note: Session 1B is for those planning to major/minor in music, while session 1A is for non-music major/minor. Please register for the correct session; transfers between the two sessions will not be considered unless in exceptional circumstances.
Instructors: Dr. Daniel LO (Session 1A), Mr. Angus LEE (Session 1B)
Semester: First Semester 2024/25
Time: 12:30am–2:20pm, Monday
Venue: CPD-LG1.22 Rehearsal Room (Session 1A), CRT-11/01 Seminar Room (Session 1B)
This foundational music theory course develops students’ conceptual and perceptual understanding of the basic elements of music, including intervals, scales, modes, keys, melody, harmony, and simple musical forms. The course integrates ear training with the analysis of a wide range of musical examples, ensuring that students establish a clear and solid grasp of music fundamentals. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate practical knowledge of the rudiments of music. The course serves as a comprehensive review of aural and theoretical skills necessary for students intending to major or minor in music. It is also available as an elective for students in other departments seeking a strong foundation in music fundamentals.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
  • demonstrate a conceptual and perceptual understanding of the basic materials and structures of music, including rhythm and meter, intervals and scales, modes and keys, as well as melody, harmony, and contrapuntal practices;
  • apply their knowledge about materials and structures of music to analysing and interpreting musical excerpts.
SESSION 1A (for non-music major/minor):
5 Worksheet Assignments 50%
Midterm Test 15%
Final Test 25%
Attendance and Participation (lectures and tutorials) 10%

SESSION 1B (for those planning to major/minor in music):
4 Worksheet Assignments 30%
Midterm Test 20%
Final Test 30%
Attendance and Participation (lectures and tutorials) 10%
  • scales and modes
  • harmony: triads and seventh chords
  • harmonic progression and principles of voice leading
  • cadences
  • non-chord tones
  • melody, phrase structure and motives
  • period, simple forms and textures
  • Clendinning, Jane Piper, and Elizabeth West Marvin. The Musician's Guide to Theory and Analysis. New York: W.W. Norton, 2005.
  • Gauldin, Robert. Harmonic Practice in Tonal Music. New York: W.W. Norton, 2004.
  • Kostka, Stefan M., and Dorothy Payne. Tonal Harmony: With an Introduction to Twentieth-century Music. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009.
  • Laitz, Steven. The Complete Musician: An Integrated Approach to Tonal Theory, Analysis, and Listening. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.
  • Turek, Ralph. The Elements of Music: Concepts and Applications. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996.
  • Turek, Ralph, and Daniel McCarthy. Theory for Today’s Musician. New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2014.
  • Wade, Bonnie. Thinking Musically: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.