Mahidol University College of Music
Mahidol University College of Music
Mahidol University College of Music
Course Description:
Western Music Theory II is a continuation and expansion of concepts and techniques begun in Western
Music Theory I. Through harmonisation of melodies and figured basses, harmonic analysis of music,
and composing phrases and periods we will investigate the following material: The Dominant Seventh
Chord in Root Position, Inversions of the Dominant Seventh Chord, Other Diatonic Chords of Major
and Minor, The Supertonic Triad, The Submediant Triad. The Deceptive Cadence, The Supertonic
Seventh Chord, The Leading Tone Seventh Chord, The Dominant Ninth Chord. The Supertonic Ninth
Chord, Other Dominant Chords, Modal Borrowing, Descending Melodic Minor. Phrygian Progression,
and Sequence. Other Seventh Chords. Students should learn and practice how to talk and write about
music. Besides writing exercises, before analysing music, the teacher would let students listen to the
music they have to analyse. Active class discussion is expected, as it is an important aspect of being a
professional musician. The course will prepare students for success in Western Music Theory III.
Texts:
Rizayev, Valeriy. A Practical Course of Tonal Harmony. Bangkok: Mahidol University, 2020.
Kostka, Stefan and Dorothy Payne. Tonal Harmony: With an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music.
6th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2009.
Benjamin, Thomas, Michael Horvit and Robert Nelson. Techniques and Materials of Tonal Music. 5th
ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 1998.
Grading:
Class attendance 20%
Homework 20%
Midterm exam 20%
Final exam 20%
Project 20%
Attendance:
Students must have an attendance record of 80% (at least 24 classes) for the whole course
otherwise they will not be allowed to sit for the final exam. It is the student’s responsibility to
notify the instructor of any foreseeable absences in advance of class meetings (at least one hour before
class). This notification must appear in person, by phone, or in the form of electronic (e-mail)
communication. Whether or not prior notice is submitted to the instructor, these absences will be
considered unexcused unless a written excuse from the appropriate medical, legal, or university
authority is submitted. Unexcused absences coinciding with an in-class activity (exam, project, etc.)
will earn a zero grade (FAIL) for that activity. In the event of an excused absence, it is the student’s
responsibility to arrange a meeting with other members of the class or the instructor to discuss the
relevant materials.
Tardiness:
Students who arrive after roll is called will be considered absent.
Weekly overview
Week Materials
7 Midterm
15 Review