Music 231
Species Counterpoint–Fall Semester 2023
MW 10:00-10:50am, CA136
F 10:00-10:50am, Remote (Zoom - go to SFSU Canvas)
Instructor: Jono
Kornfeld
Office Hours (CA 166F):
M, 11:00a-12:00p (sometimes 11a - 12p on W);
and other times by appointment either in person or via Zoom
Health & Safety Commitments |
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Everyone’s health and safety is
our paramount concern at SF State. We ask every member of our campus
community to join a pledge to make and follow plans to keep fellow students,
faculty, and staff safe and well. Feeling confident, safe
and well will help you focus on your academic success. To participate in this
class, all students are expected to:
For
more information about SF State’s response to COVID-19 and how you can keep
yourself and others safe and well, visit the COVID-19 information web page. To plan for how you will maintain your academic
success when unexpected events disrupt regular teaching and learning
activities, follow the information on the course syllabus. |
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Resilient Teaching & Learning Plan |
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Our campus community is often called to
demonstrate compassionate resiliency by adapting and responding to a number of unexpected events, or disruptions, such as
personal illness or injury, the COVID-19 pandemic, or unhealthy air quality
and power outages due to wildfires. A disruption is a situation that will
prevent you, me, or the entire class from participating in 'class as usual'
for a reason we could not have predicted at the beginning of the
semester. Our goal as a learning community is to do our best to keep
teaching and learning with as little interruption as possible. If something along these lines happens,
we should be able: to maintain communication and send assignments via email;
use the web syllabus and Canvas to access assignments; possibly adjust the
curriculum; use SFSU’s Zoom app to hold live meetings and/or view recorded
lectures. Most
importantly, I am committed to supporting students when they are affected by
uncontrollable circumstances in order to keep our
in-person and virtual learning environments nurturing and inviting places. |
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Required Text |
Recommended Book |
Recommended Text |
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Essential Dictionary of Music Notation Gerou Alfred Publishing Company, Inc ISBN 9780882847306 Approximate
cost: $11.00 |
A College-Level Music Dictionary: Oxford, Harvard, etc. |
Counterpoint in Composition* Salzer/Schacter Columbia University Press ISBN 0-231-07039-X Because
this text is not required, you are strongly encouraged to have easy access to
all lecture notes and reading sheets. *A pdf of chapter 1 is available
through Canvas in the Announcements section. |
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Course Objectives |
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The prerequisite for
this course is MUS 130, or MUS 234/235, or by passing the appropriate section
of the theory placement evaluation This course is a
prerequisite for MUS 232 This 3-unit course focuses on
melody-centered music, particularly from the 16th century (Renaissance era)
Western European vocal style. We concentrate on two-part contrapuntal (known
as voice-lead) textures, mainly relying on the Species Counterpoint method of study,
which has been around since the 1500s. The goal of this course is to expand
your theoretical and aural vocabularies as they relate to centuries-old
Western European music, but also music, like jazz, rock, folk and pop.
Through counterpoint, we explore how specific and general aspects of music
interrelate across a variety of styles and eras. By the end of the semester,
you should be able to recognize contrapuntal features in music, and/or
compose portions music in a contrapuntal style. Interwoven with the above curriculum,
we will address notation, score formatting/presentation, general vocabulary
pertinent to many styles of music, and what it means to work in the broad
field of music in modern times. Your written work will consist of a
mixture between homework, quizzes, exams, and separate analysis/composition
projects. |
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Grading: All grades will
be given as a percentage. Only your
final grade will be a letter grade. |
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Each assignment and exam will
have its own grade. You can also look up your grades to date on Canvas, where information will be posted periodically in a
spreadsheet. Grades are listed via an assigned alias to protect your privacy. Attendance: 10% Meaningful attendance (see class participation below)
goes hand-in-hand with better learning and
retention. Being in a classroom community on a regular basis can deepen one's
experience with the material, where we can interact, ask questions, listen to
music and each other, make connections, and give/get support. After the first week, at the beginning of class, there will be a
sign-in sheet sitting on the piano. Latecomers can check in with me at the
end of class. For Friday remote/Zoom meetings, I will take attendance. You
are NOT required to have your camera on for remote meetings. You can
have three unexcused absences before it starts counting against your grade.
Three unexcused late arrivals will count as one unexcused absence. There are all kinds of good/reasonable excuses for missing class
or being late, such as: religious holidays, being sick, caring for someone
who is sick, a family emergency, occasional professional obligation,
transportation problems, mental health concerns, etc. If you miss class or
are late and have an excuse, I ask that you inform me as soon as possible
(email is best). Out of respect for your privacy, if the excuse feels
personal in nature, you do not have to be too specific. Similarly, I do not
require doctor's notes and the like. We will rely on the honor system should
you need to explain an absence or late arrival, but you need to address it
somehow or will not count as excused. Class
Participation/Communication/Meeting: 5% Participation
means arriving/joining on time (unless it is beyond your control), being
fully present and engaged, not behaving in a distracted or distracting
manner, and very-importantly, treating others with respect. Please practice
professional-level communication during class, and in written correspondence.
There
is also one required one-to-one meeting you will have with me (in person, or
via Zoom) so I can learn more about you and your musical goals; it can be
your chance to ask me any questions too. We will schedule these early in the
semester. Keyboard Demonstration: 5% (audio) This can be done in person, or via an emailed video (or link to
a video) Midterm Exam (in class): 10% Details TBA - it will be open-note Final Exam (in class): 10% Details TBA - it will be open-note Homework: 60% Homework (on paper) is due on the day announced, by the end of
class. It will consist of mainly small analysis and composition-style
exercises. Advance notification requesting an extension is fine in most
cases, but unnotified late assignments are not automatically accepted. Please staple multiple-page assignments so
nothing gets lost. The lowest two grades will be dropped (does not apply to
smaller assignments like the alto clef and notation drills
assignments). Homework collaboration option. Assignments due on remote days
(Fridays): •
will be due by noon (12pm) on the stated due date via email •
the typical procedure for turning in assignments via email will be to
send a photo or scan of the page(s) (pic, jpeg, pdf, etc.), or an mp3 audio
file
Please label your file(s) before
sending, using the following type of formatting:
Redo Policy: Unless otherwise specified, I encourage you
to redo any homework assignment that gets less than a 93%. The score
of the redone version of the assignment will at the very least be averaged
with the original score for a final assignment grade, with a maximum possible
grade of 93%. Redone assignments are due two class periods after the original
assignment is returned unless otherwise arranged. Redoing an assignment
means that you either make clear corrections on the original assignment, or
you submit a copied-over, corrected version of the original assignment on a
separate piece of paper. For the latter, please attach the original
assignment along with the redo; you don't have to copy over portions of the
original assignment that were done correctly. This does not apply to exams or
quizzes, which cannot be redone. Quizzes: There are no scheduled
quizzes, but quizzes might be incorporated if deemed necessary. **Please note: the above percentages are
subject to redistribution** Missed
assignments, exams or quizzes: in the event of an unforeseen absence, make-up
exams or assignment-extensions will be granted for extenuating circumstances
on an individual basis. It is important that you notify me as soon as
possible in cases like this. Extra
credit assignments (optional): may be assigned and will be announced
in class and on the syllabus. Plagiarism:
While
some collaboration is expected and productive, the bulk of your assignments
and definitely anything composed must be done
individually unless otherwise specified. Violations will be subject to
the University's Code of Conduct as it relates to such matters. Please
note the following from the SFSU Bulletin: To receive credit toward completion
of the degree requirements, a grade of C or better is required for all music
courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Music major...To receive credit toward
completion of the degree requirements, a grade of C or better is required for
all music courses in the Bachelor of Music major. Letter
grade breakdown by percentage points: A
= 93-100; A- = 90-92; B+ = 89-87; B = 86-83; B- = 82-80; C+ = 79-77; C =
76-73; C- = 72-70; D+ = 69-76; D = 66-63; D- = 62-60; F = 59-0 |
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Student Support |
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Disability
access Students
with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations are encouraged to
contact the instructor. The Disability Programs and Resource Center
(DPRC) is available to facilitate the reasonable accommodations
process. The DPRC is located in the Student Service
Building and can be reached by telephone (voice/415-338-2472, video
phone/415-335-7210) or by email (dprc@sfsu.edu). Student
disclosures of sexual violence SF
State fosters a campus free of sexual violence including sexual harassment,
domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and/or any form of sex or
gender discrimination. If you disclose a personal experience as an SF
State student, the course instructor is required to notify the Title IX
Coordinator by completing the report form available at http://titleix.sfsu.edu, emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu or calling 338-2032. To
disclose any such violence confidentially, contact: *The
SAFE Place - (415) 338-2208; http://www.sfsu.edu/~safe_plc/ *Counseling and Psychological
Services Center - (415) 338-2208; http://psyservs.sfsu.edu/ *For more information on your rights and available resources: http://titleix.sfsu.edu |
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Miscellaneous Don'ts |
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Students may not capture audio, photos or
video from class sessions on their own devices without explicit permission of
the instructor and everyone present, unless part of a DPRC-authorized
accommodation. Students may not post any course materials to any third-party
sites or post any recordings, screenshots, audio or
chat transcripts in any settings outside the class. Violations of this are
subject to student disciplinary action. |
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Attendance and Remote Classroom Guidelines |
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Attendance is factored into your grade as stated above. It is
your responsibility to get notes from any class you miss. Disruptive,
distracting, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and may result
in you being asked to leave the classroom or a remote meeting (if the lecture
is remote). |
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Communication |
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There may be instances where we need to
make individual, special arrangements. In these cases, it is best that
we do so with confirmation emails. In the event that
we have made a special arrangement, please make sure we have at least done so
in writing. If you write to me, please communicate as clearly and
professionally as possible. While this
is a music class, you are expected to practice college-level, professional
communication standards in your written and oral communication. Make sure
your SFSU email is set up to forward to your regular/personal email address.
I will respond to emails with 24 hours. |
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Revisions to this Syllabus |
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The syllabus (including assignments, exam, quiz
and grade distributions) and downloads are subject to revisions as the
semester progresses. Check the syllabus web page often, and your email,
and listen for announcements in class. Please do not download the
lecture notes and/or assignments all at once in case revisions are made as
the semester progresses. |
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Notation |
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In an ongoing effort to nurture your
notation skills, all work handed in must be written in pencil, or via a
tablet (i.e. by hand). Assignments using computer
notation are not acceptable, unless arranged in advance. When using staff
paper for any assignment, the paper should have no left- or right-side bar
lines and have no clefs printed on it. Use this
link
to print staff paper. Notation is a factor in grading. Notation errors,
cross-outs, sloppy notation or analyses may lower
assignment grades and/or will be handled on a discretionary basis. |
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Printing Materials for Class |
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Please plan to print required materials/assignments for class on
a regular basis. However, it is understandable that printing could be a
hardship for some, in which case we will work out an alternative so that
everyone can access what they need. You should also be able to photograph or
scan assignments for email submission (only during remote instruction). All
materials will be available through the web syllabus (and occasionally Canvas
& emails) and will be PDF files. |
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Cool WWW links |
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Check this space for extracurricular links
(mostly YouTube) - it will be updated on an ongoing basis, with newer links
at the top Counterpoint
For Metal Guitar - a bit goofy, but perhaps entertaining.
(8/27) Undertale
Soundtrack (8/24) Joe McPhee: Shakey
Jake - the improvised/less-organized
counterpoint between the two saxophones begins around 1:20 (8/16) Examples of
counterpoint in a variety of modern songs
(8/16) Hop Sauce: Foots
excerpt - featuring the saxophone and guitar (and
sometimes keys) in improvised/less-organized counterpoint (8/16) Minecraft:
Soggy Swamp - starts at the 1:50 mark and lasts about
30 seconds (8/16) Joni Mitchell
discussing her approach to composing (8/16) How to compose
1:1 counterpoint - a very thorough discussion (8/16) |
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MUS 231 – APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE OF CLASS TOPICS |
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(Week No.) Week of |
Class Topics,
Downloadable Notes , and Helpful Links |
Assignments, and
items to print (or just download) for that week with
specific due day Assignments marked
with ** are not dropped in the final grade tabulation |
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(1) Aug 21 |
Class organization, Course overview;
Getting to know each other; Working with the Alto Clef, Other C-Clefs and Intervals |
(F) Complete, but do
not submit: syllabus assignment (F) Print/Download:
Cantiones duarum
vocum: C clef version with lyrics,
G
clef version (audio); Oculus
non vidit |
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(2) Aug 28 |
Introduction to Species Counterpoint Species Counterpoint Examples (audio) musictheory.net website
(for general reference) |
(M) Complete, but do
not submit: first 10 measure of Cantiones duarum vocum with the harmonic intervals (just the
interval numbers) analyzed between the parts as exemplified in the
first three measures Read:
Salzer/Schacter ("S/S"): Ch. I, part 1
(Cantus Firmus) (W) Submit:
General Review
Assignment (three pages) |
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(3) Sept 4 |
(M) NO CLASS - LABOR DAY |
(W) Submit: Alto clef and
intervals assignment** (two pages) (F)
Submit: Notation
assignment I:
print this link** or copy onto staff paper. On staff paper,
separate the exercises with a blank staff system. Refer to pp. 290-92 in the Notation
Dictionary. |
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(4) Sept
11 |
Cantus Firmus cont'd |
(M)
Submit: Satin Doll Melody
assignment (audio) |
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(5) Sept
18 |
Cantus Firmus cont'd Species
Counterpoint Errors List |
(M)
Submit: Melody Writing
Exercise (F)
Submit:
Cantus Firmus
exercise Read: S/S: Ch. I, part 2
(1st Species) |
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(6) Sept
25 |
First Species cont'd |
(W)
Submit: First
Species Analysis and Preparation (audio) (Sat) Keyboard
Demonstration via video (it may be easiest
to make two video files, one for the left hand, and one for the right hand) (audio) |
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(7) Oct 2 |
(M) Keyboard
Demonstration; in-person-option Read: 2nd
species lecture notes (W) Submit:
First
Species exercise (F) Submit:
Notation assignment II** Refer to pp. 262-68 & 305 in the Notation
Dictionary. |
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(8) Oct 9 |
Second Species cont'd |
Read: 3rd Species lecture
notes (M)
Submit: Second
Species Analysis and Preparation
(audio) |
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(9) Oct 16 |
(M) Midterm Exam |
(M) Midterm Exam (in class, open-note) (W) Submit: Second
Species exercise |
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(10) Oct 23 |
Third Species cont'd |
(M)
Submit: Third
Species Analysis and Preparation
(audio) |
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(11) Oct 30 |
(W) Submit: Third
Species exercise Read: 4th Species lecture
notes |
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(12) Nov 6 |
Fourth Species cont'd More
5th species examples (audio) (F) NO CLASS - VETERANS DAY |
(W)
Submit: Fourth
Species Analysis and Preparation
(audio) (F)
Extra credit assignment -
optional Read: 5th Species lecture
notes |
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(13) Nov 13 |
Fifth Species cont'd |
(W) Submit:
Fourth
Species exercise |
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November 20-24: Fall Recess, No Classes |
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(14) Nov 27 |
Free
Counterpoint (an introduction) Reading Sheet: Free counterpoint Another example: (score) (audio) Canon & Imitation (an introduction) |
(M)
Submit: Fifth Species Analysis and Preparation (audio) Read:
Lecture notes on Free Counterpoint (W) Submit: Notation
assignment III** (you may write your
answer on a separate piece of staff paper – notate NEATLY and separate your
systems with a blank staff system). Refer to pp. 186-91 in the Notation
Dictionary. Read:
Lecture notes
on Canon & Imitation (F)
Print/Download (but do not complete) Canon Worksheet |
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(15) Dec 4 |
Culminating Perspectives Further Explorations (F) LAST DAY OF
CLASSES |
(M)
Submit:
Fifth Species
exercise |
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(16) Dec 11 |
(M, Dec 11, 10:15a – 12:15p): Final
Exam
(in class, open-note) |
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Due by Wednesday, Dec
13, noon |
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