Program Overview

Introduction to Music Theory and Musicianship

The Introduction to Music Theory and Musicianship course, denoted as MUSC 160, is designed to introduce students to fundamental written skills in music and basic forms used in Western music, including practice in aural perception.

Course Details

• Dates: 5 Jan 2027 to 7 Feb 2027
• Starts: Trimester 3
• Fees:
  • NZ$1,463.00 for domestic students
  • NZ$6,854.80 for international students
• Campus: Distance
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 200 hours or 40.0 hours per week for 5 weeks
• Points: 20 points (one point is about 10 hours of work)

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: Students who have already passed MUSC 164 or MUSC 166 cannot take this course

Taught By

The course is taught by the New Zealand School of Music — Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Disclaimer

This course outline may be subject to change.

Key Dates

Important dates, including mid-trimester teaching breaks, can be found on the University's key dates calendar. Assessment dates will be communicated once the course has begun.

About This Course

This course is delivered online.

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course will be able to:

1. Correctly read and notate pitch in treble, bass, alto, and tenor clefs
2. Write and analyze basic harmonies in diatonic contexts
3. Write and recognize rhythms in simple and compound time
4. Employ good voice leading to write simple harmonic progressions in four parts
5. Identify by ear basic intervals, chords, and cadences, and notate simple rhythms and melodies

How This Course Is Taught

The course is delivered online.

Assessment

• Weekly Proficiency Drills: 18%
• Short Assignments: 32%
• Aural Tests: 24%
• Written Test: 26%

Mandatory Requirements

There are no mandatory requirements for this course.

What You'll Need to Get

You do not need to get any texts or equipment for this course.

Course Coordinator

Dr. Hamish Robb is the course coordinator.