Spring 2024 Course Syllabus
Course: MUSC-1213 (Section: 1, CRN: 10205)
Commercial Music Theory I 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Carl Richardson
Email richardsoncc@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6353
Office Sam and Linda Monroe Performing Arts Center - Room: 138
Office Hours Mon (10-11, 12-2) Tues (12:30-3) Wed (10-11) Thurs (12:30-3) Fri (10-11)
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
Description Introduction to chord progressions, song forms, and harmonic techniques used in commercial music. Topics include modern chord notation and chord voicing.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Berklee Music Theory Book 2 by Paul Schmeling, The Nashville Number System by Chas Williams
Additional Materials/Resources None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites Successful completion of MUSI 1301 Music Fundamentals
Learning Outcomes 1) Knowledge of note names, location on the grand staff, and function 
2) Recognition of major/minor modality 
3) Demonstration of the mechanics of music writing through study of theory 
4) Demonstration of mechanics of rhythm 
5) Recognition of Major and Minor Triads 
Program Student Learning Outcomes PERFORMANCE

1. Applies commercial music performance techniques to professional practice.
2. Applies commercial music sound engineering technology to support performance practices.
3. Applies basic music industry principles to professional practice.
4. Demonstrates professional behavior as characterized by a commitment to the profession.

SOUND ENGINEER

1. Apply commercial music sound technology to their professional practice.
2. Applies commercial music performance skill to support sound engineering practice.
3. Applies basic music industry principles to professional practice.
4. Demonstrates professional behavior as characterized by a commitment to the profession.
Lecture Topics Outline
 

All classes are cancelled on the following dates:


MLK Day, Mon. Jan. 15th

Spring Break, March 11th - March 15th
 
 
Week 1 - Course Overview, Syllabus Review, Music Fundamentals Review
Week 2 - Music Fundamentals Review cont.
Week 3 - Piano Scales (Major & Minor)
Week 4 - Minor Scales, Minor Scale Syllable Names, Minor Key Chord Set
Week 5 - Relative Minor/Major Relationship, Minors on the Circle
Week 6 - Building Chords (Diminished, Augmented, 7ths, etc.)
Week 7 - 7th Chords cont., Midterm Review
Week 8 - Midterm Review, Midterm (Wed/Fri)

SPRING BREAK - No Class (March 11th - March 15th)

Week 9 - Traditional Chord Charts, Nashville Number Charts, Lead Sheets
Week 10 - Traditional Chord Charts, Nashville Number Charts, Lead Sheets cont.
Week 11 - Chord Inversions, Voice Leading
Week 12 - Voice Leading cont.
Week 13 - Voice Leading cont.
Week 14 - Four Part Chorale Writing, Modes
Week 15 - Final Exam Review, Final Exam (Fri)
Week 16 - Final Exam cont. (Mon), Discussions with students as needed, Instructor available during class time

* Study focus dates by week may be adjusted based on class needs and rate of progress.
Major Assignments Schedule Quizzes (Scheduled as needed)
Midterm (Week 8)
Final Exam (May 3rd & May 6th)
Final Exam Date May 3, 2024 - 9:0 AM   Through  May 6, 2024 - 9:50 AM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade		 Homework and Assignments 20%
Quizzes 20%
Attendance 20%
Midterm 20%
Final 20%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies Students may email me at richardsoncc@lamarpa.edu. I will respond as soon as possible.

To discuss grades, extra credit, etc., you must schedule an office visit for advising. Please refer to office hours listed above.

PLEASE MAKE USE OF OFFICE HOURS AND E-MAIL FOR GUIDANCE WITH CLASS CONTENT.
Attendance Policy Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success.

Policies for this course are as described below: You get one 1 free absence before your lates/absences start to count against your grade in the attendance category. After that, EACH UNEXCUSED ABSENCE DEDUCTS 10% OF YOUR ATTENDANCE GRADE. Three lates = 1 absence.

Excused absences must meet the following criteria: death in the family, medical related emergency, illness with doctor's note. Any cause beyond this will be left up to instructor discretion. Excused absences will be considered on a case by case basis.

YOU MUST E-MAIL YOUR INSTRUCTOR BEFORE YOU MISS CLASS with an explanation of why you will be absent. The date and time of the e-mail will be considered. Excused absences are conditional upon this. Any deviation will be considered at the discretion of the instructor.
Additional Information None
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Commercial Music, Visual and Performing Arts
Chair:Dr. Blas Canedo Gonzalez
Email:canedoba@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6547