Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

This unit provides a foundational understanding of the basic elements of Western music theory. No prior music theory knowledge is required, making this unit ideal for those who are interested in gaining a deeper appreciation of how music works. Topics include notation, pitch, rhythm, scales, intervals, key signatures, chords, and basic harmonic progressions. Students will learn to read standard notation, analyse simple musical examples, and develop basic aural skills through listening and practice.

This unit prepares students for the next unit in the sequence, MUSC1321 Music Language 1.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationModeFirst year of offer
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)On-campus
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 1 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) read and notate music using standard Western music notation across treble and bass clefs; (2) identify and apply fundamental concepts such as pitch, rhythm, scales, intervals, key signatures, and basic chords in written and aural contexts; and (3) analyse simple musical excerpts through the application of basic harmonic and melodic principles.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) coursework and (2) exams. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Jonathan Fitzgerald
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
Conservatorium of Music Aural placement assessment
Incompatibility
Successful completion of
Unit(s) MUSC1321 Music Language 1
or Enrolment in
Unit(s) MUSC1321 Music Language 1
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Auralia ear-training software (estimated cost - AUD 35-50).
Contact hours
Lectures/workshops: 1 hour per week
Tutorials: 1 hour per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.

Face to face

Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.

Online flexible

100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.

Online timetabled

100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.

Online Restricted

Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.

NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.

External

No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.

Off-campus

Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.

Multi-mode

Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.