Counterpoint II

MUSC 4066
Spring 2011

Dr. Mel Mobley mobley@ulm.edu 1575 (O)/ 680-1171 (C)

Office Hours posted on door

Course Description:
Advanced concepts in 18th century counterpoint. Introduction to other contrapuntal styles and the
study of motets. Prerequisites: MUSC 204 and MUSC 366 with a grade of C or better.

Course Content
 Review of Species Counterpoint
 Writing of 4th and 5th species for 2 voices
 Writing for 3 and 4 voices
 Invertible Counterpoint
 Modal Counterpoint
 Analysis of motets
 Discussion of use of counterpoint in 20th century writing

Course Goals
The student will gain an understanding of the terms and processes of contrapuntal
musical structures. The students will be able to write moderate to complex contrapuntal
examples and analyze complex contrapuntal works such as fugues. The student will understand
the differences between the unique counterpoint models of the 16th, 18th and 20th centuries. The
student will write as a 4 voice fugue in the 18th century style for their final project.

Procedures
In-class lectures and assignments will give students the opportunity to learn the process used in
composing using contrapuntal techniques. Book topics will further explain those techniques and
also the process of analysis in contrapuntal music. Homework will be assigned that requires
understanding of the studied technique. Quizzes will be used to identify class progress and to
keep students on task. Tests will evaluate understanding.

Requirements:
Texts/Materials:
Kennan, Kent. Counterpoint, 4th ed., Prentice Hall (1998)
Kennan, Kent Counterpoint Workbook, 4th ed., Prentice Hall (1998)
Blank staff paper

Attendance: Students are responsible for all material presented in class. Missed exams may be
made up only with a valid written excuse: illness, family emergency, or university-related
excuse.
Homework: Homework is due at the beginning of class. Any assignment may be turned in up to
24 hours late for a deduction of one letter grade. No homework will be accepted after that
without extenuating circumstances. After an absence the student has 24 hours after returning to
school to complete the assignment.

Evaluation/Grading: Students will receive a mid term grade to assess their status in the
class.
Exams/Projects 50%
Homework and Quizzes 50%

Grade Scale:
90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C 60-69 = D 0-59 = F